Columbia’s Early Morning Standoff: Escaped Prisoner Captured
Columbia, S.C. — In a surprising turn of events early Thursday morning, law enforcement officials successfully apprehended one of the four escaped prisoners from the Chesterfield County Detention Center. The man, identified as Emanuel Planco, aged 23, was taken into custody after attempting to break into vehicles in the vicinity of Willow Oak Drive.
The drama unfolded around 2 a.m. when Richland County deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity, suggesting that someone may have been trying to break into cars. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies deployed a K9 unit, and things escalated quickly. The sharp-eyed K9 specialist spotted Planco trying to break into a Kia.
A High-Stakes Chase
Deputies said after attempting the break-in, Planco hopped into the car and sped away, prompting a high-speed pursuit. Deputies activated their lights and sirens, leading to a chase that ended when they used stop sticks to disable his vehicle at an area just off Lone Drive and Farrow Road.
As Planco fled on foot into a nearby wooded area, K9 Kiro was brought in to track him down. The trained dog, with boundless energy, managed to lead officers to Planco’s hiding spot, resulting in his capture. In an unexpected twist, Planco required medical attention for dog bites before being processed.
The Investigation Unfolds
It didn’t take long for deputies to uncover more of Planco’s escapades from that night. Earlier, he allegedly tried to break into a home on Willow Oak Drive, aiming to steal a bicycle. However, the homeowner had a security camera that captured the intrusion. Reacting quickly, they fired a shot into the air, which sent Planco running.
Local authorities believe Planco didn’t stop there. Reports indicate that he also broke into three other vehicles in the area, making off with multiple items, including credit cards, IDs, and even a PlayStation 4. Talk about a hectic night!
Charges and Ongoing Manhunt
As of now, Planco faces a slew of serious charges, including failure to stop for blue lights and sirens, reckless driving, possession of a stolen vehicle, grand larceny, first-degree burglary, and financial transaction card theft. If and when he is released, he will be booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. However, the timeline for his return to Chesterfield County remains unclear.
It’s important to note that Planco is not alone in his predicament. The authorities are still on the lookout for the other three escapees: Anton Conway Bennett, Kyonne Marquise McLeod, and De’Shawn Malik Fox. As per the records, both McLeod and Bennett have previously faced charges for breaking into vehicles, while Bennett had also been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. Fox, on the other hand, has a record that includes assaults and inflicting bodily injury.
Call for Vigilance
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is actively investigating the ongoing situation. They’ve even issued a reminder urging the public: if anyone spots the remaining escapees, it’s crucial to keep a safe distance and contact 911 immediately—not just for personal safety, but for the safety of everyone in the community.
This entire incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of crime and the importance of community vigilance. Many residents will surely be relieved to see one less fugitive on the streets, but with three still on the loose, eyes are wide open, and everyone is on alert.
