Relapse triggered thefts, man says

Steven Wayne Wilkinson Jr. said he recently did some "ruinous things" after a relapse from drug addiction.

Wilkinson, who is suspected in a rash of vehicle break-ins, appeared in bond court Saturday on charges of assaulting a police officer, breaking and entering, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension. His total bail was set at $37,105 for multiple charges from Charleston and North Charleston police.

Wilkinson, 33, told Magistrate Patricia Henley that he suffered a relapse about two weeks ago. "I did some ruinous things that I need to take care of," he said. He said he lives with his grandfather in a trailer along Savannah Highway near Ravenel.

Charleston police arrested Wilkinson early Friday at a Sunoco gas station on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. A search of the white Isuzu Rodeo he was driving revealed a virtual treasure trove of stolen items, including a laptop computer, tools, electronics, clothes and checkbooks.

The items are believed to have been stolen from vehicles parked outside several North Charleston clubs and a West Ashley grocery store late Thursday and early Friday.

Wilkinson scuffled with police when they tried to arrest him. Pieces of car window glass fell from his clothing as he was handcuffed, police said.

Witnesses outside one of the clubs saw Wilkinson walking away from a burglarized vehicle carrying a lug wrench, according to affidavits.