Chesterfield County Inmate Escape: One Captured, Three Still Missing

Chesterfield County Inmate Escape: One Captured, Three Still on the Run

Chesterfield County, S.C. — One out of four inmates who escaped from the Chesterfield County Detention Center has been apprehended, while three others remain missing. The caught inmate, Emanuel Robson Planco, is now being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, according to Chesterfield County Sheriff Cambo Streater.

Details of the Escape

The escape occurred on Monday night around 11 p.m., but prison officials did not realize the inmates were missing until 5 a.m. on Tuesday. This left the inmates with approximately six hours of lead time, possibly allowing them to reach Columbia, S.C., or further distances. Sheriff Streater confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and they are yet to determine how the inmates managed to escape.

Current Situation and Ongoing Search

As of now, the remaining escapees include Anton Conway Bennett, Kyonne Marquise McLeod, and De’Shawn Malik Fox. Sheriff Streater has reached out to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for additional support in tracking down the fugitives. “We know where the four guys are from. Where their homes are located,” he said in a press briefing.

Charges and Background

Darlington County. While he was held in the Chesterfield facility for safekeeping reasons, the sheriff’s office has yet to disclose information about the circumstances surrounding their escape. The sheriff is also reviewing the actions of correctional officers to determine if any negligence took place.

Inmate Testimony

A man named Thomas Dixon, who was incarcerated for trespassing and was scheduled to be released on the same day, described the chaos during the lockdown that followed the inmates’ escape. Dixon noted, “I didn’t know the escape triggered a lockdown,” adding, “I was released, but they kept us in the jail until 12:30 p.m. We were supposed to be out at 9 a.m.”

Facility Conditions

According to Sheriff Streater, this incident marks the second time since last summer that inmates have escaped the facility, which is over 60 years old. The jail is currently housing 130 inmates, despite being built to hold only 95. The overcrowded conditions make it challenging for guards to keep a thorough watch over all inmates, especially during night shifts when counts are conducted.

Investigation and Recovery Efforts

The sheriff’s office is evaluating whether the escapees managed to steal a vehicle, specifically a 2015 pickup truck from a local car lot on Patrick Highway in Chesterfield County, to facilitate their getaway. However, this information is still under investigation. Authorities have posted a picture of the recovered truck on social media as part of their outreach efforts.

Legal Ramifications

South Carolina has strict penalties for escaping custody. Inmates found guilty can face up to 15 years in prison. Sheriff Streater is urging anyone with information regarding the remaining escapees to come forward and contact the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office tip line.