NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. — Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster has released a photo of the suspect who they say broke into a couple's home, tied them up, and stole their car.
Foster says the initial incident took place on Dennis Dairy Lane, just outside of Newberry, around 7:30 p.m. Monday, when a homeowner was confronted by a man that came out of the woods behind his home. A brief confrontation took place and the suspect struck the homeowner with a pistol. The suspect then tied the victim up with zip ties. The suspect then entered the home and confronted a female resident, striking her with the pistol and tying her up. The suspect then took the keys to the victims’ car and fled.
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Responding an alert put out by deputies, a DNR agent spotted the vehicle near Spearman Road and SC Hwy 34 and began to follow it. A trooper and a Newberry County deputy were near and caught up with the vehicle. After a short pursuit, the suspect drove the vehicle into a soybean field and fled on foot into a wooded area.
A SLED helicopter and K9 units were brought in to search the area. The active search was later called off.
A photo was taken of the suspect at a convenience store that law enforcement said he stopped at before the DNR agent spotted him.
The man is 5’1” to 5’5” tall with a slender build. He is believed to have salt and pepper hair with possible facial hair. He was wearing a camouflaged jacket, a dark hat and had a black bandana face covering. The suspect was armed with a dark colored semi-automatic pistol.
If you live in the Silverstreet area, Foster says you be aware of the suspect and stay alert to your surroundings. All keys from vehicles should be removed and locked and homes should be locked as well.
If you see the suspect, DO NOT APPROACH HIM as he is considered armed and dangerous. Instead, call 911 immediately. Call 9-1-1 instead. .