05/22/2026
May 22, 2026
Press Release
Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office: Barricaded Subject
Subject: Thomas David Gamble IV., of Nesmith, South Carolina, was arrested by the
Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement
Division (SLED) for the following charges: an outstanding general sessions bench warrant for
violation of a restraining order, Breaking into a Motor Vehicle (16-13-0160), and three (3)
counts of Trespassing after Notice (16-11-600). In addition, Gamble IV was charged by the
WCSO with Possession of a Weapon by Persons Convicted of Certain Crimes (16-23-0500),
Possession of Methamphetamine (44-53-375 (a)), two counts of Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult
(43-35-85(c)), and Resisting Arrest (16-9-320 (a)).
Narrative: On May 19, 2026, WCSO Deputies and SLED Special Agents attempted to arrest
Gamble IV at a home in Nesmith, South Carolina for an outstanding general sessions bench
warrant for violation of a restraining order, Breaking into a Motor Vehicle (16-13-0160), and
three (3) Trespassing after Notice warrants (16-11-600). Gamble IV was located inside of the
home; however, he refused to exit. Gamble IV barricaded himself in the home with two
vulnerable adults. Law enforcement officers attempted communications to persuade Gamble IV
to exit the home peacefully. When communications failed, SLED Special Weapons and Tactics
(SWAT) team members made entry into the home, and rescued the two vulnerable adults before
any escalation of events.
After the vulnerable adults were removed from the home, law enforcement continued the attempt
to persuade Gamble IV to exit the residence; however, he refused to follow verbal instructions.
SLED SWAT team continued to use special tactic’s which included negotiation, and the use of
chemical agents to persuade Gamble IV to exit the residence; however, he continued to resist
lawful orders. After it was clear that Gamble IV would not exit the home, the SLED SWAT
team made entry into the home and arrested Gamble IV. At the conclusion of the incident,
Gamble IV was charged with Possession of a Weapon by Persons Convicted of Certain Crimes
(16-23-0500), Possession of Methamphetamine (44-53-375 (a)), two counts of Neglect of a
Vulnerable Adult (43-35-85(c)), and Resisting Arrest (16-9-320 (a)). There were no shots fired
during this incident, and no life-threatening injuries sustained by any of the involved parties.
The investigation into this matter is ongoing. If you have any additional information on this
matter, please contact the WCSO. Information can be reported anonymously through WCCD
non-emergency line at (843) 354-0606. Additionally, information can be provided to Crime Stoppers of the P*e Dee at (843) 713-8477