CHAPIN, S.C. — The Chapin Police Department, in cooperation with multiple law enforcement partners, is currently conducting an active search in and around the Chapin area for Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, who is actively wanted for murder.
Hamlett has been reported to be in the Chapin area and is believed to be armed and dangerous. Chapin Police said Friday that they believe Hamlett has family in the area.
They added that law-enforcement resources worked through the night to find Hamlett and will continue through the day if necessary. Officers asked residents to "stay vigilant and call 911 for anything suspicious."
Around 12:30 a.m. Friday morning, Chapin Police said they had a confirmed sighting of Hamlett near Chapin High School. Officers set up a perimeter around the school and are encouraging people in the area to lock their doors and remain inside. Police said multiple officers from various agencies, helicopters and K-9s were involved in the search for Hamlett.
Lexington-Richland School District Five said Chapin Elementary, Chapin Intermediate, and Chapin High School would all be on modified secure status Friday. That means no outdoor activities but all students and parents can leave and enter the building. Other schools in the district are not affected. In addition, the district said there would be an increased law enforcement presence in Chapin area schools.
Chapin police had earlier warned families out trick-or-treating for Halloween to be aware and vigilant.
If you see someone matching Hamlett’s description or notice anything suspicious, police say you should not approach—call 911 immediately.
Hamlett is wanted by Monroe County, Tennessee, where authorities described him as a dangerous person with a violent criminal history.