News Summary
Emanuel Planco, a 23-year-old inmate who recently escaped from custody, was arrested in Columbia, SC, after a series of vehicle break-ins. Following a chase involving law enforcement and a police K9, Planco was apprehended in a wooded area. He faces multiple charges, including burglary and theft, while authorities continue searching for his escape accomplices.
Columbia, SC: Escapee Emanuel Planco Arrested After Vehicle Break-Ins
In an event that unfolded in the early morning hours of Thursday, a 23-year-old inmate named Emanuel Planco found himself back in the clutches of law enforcement after a series of audacious vehicle break-ins near Columbia, South Carolina. This incident comes just days after Planco made a daring escape from the Chesterfield County Detention Center alongside three other inmates.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Planco’s brief taste of freedom came to an abrupt halt following reports of suspicious activity on Willow Oak Drive. It was almost 2 a.m. when Richland County deputies arrived on the scene. Just moments later, a K9 specialist spotted Planco engaged in the criminal act of breaking into a vehicle, specifically a Kia. When confronted, Planco made a swift exit and attempted to flee the area, igniting a chase that would make for a thrilling scene straight out of a movie.
The Chase is On!
Law enforcement officers acted quickly, deploying stop sticks to bring the vehicle Planco was driving to a halt. However, the escapee wasn’t going down without a fight. After abandoning the vehicle, Planco darted into a nearby wooded area in an attempt to evade capture. Fortunately, K-9 Kiro, the trusty police dog, was hot on Planco’s trail and successfully tracked him down, leading to his arrest. As a result of this chase, Planco sustained some injuries—a dog bite or two—as he was taken into custody and later admitted to the hospital for treatment.
More Than Just a Car Thief
An investigation revealed that Planco’s mischief extended beyond just vehicle theft. In a desperate attempt to boost his luck, he reportedly tried to snatch a bicycle from a nearby home. However, the quick-thinking homeowner scared him off by firing a warning shot. Typically, this might jolt a thief into reconsidering their life choices, but not Planco, who was busy ransacking at least three parked vehicles. Reports indicate he made off with credit cards, IDs, and even a PlayStation 4. Talk about stealing more than just four wheels!
Facing the Music
Now, Planco is facing quite the list of charges. These include failure to stop for police, reckless driving, possession of a stolen vehicle, grand larceny, first-degree burglary, and financial transaction card theft. After he receives the medical care needed, it’s likely he will be booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where he’ll have plenty of time to think about his choices.
What About the Others?
Planco’s escape wasn’t a solo endeavor. He fled alongside three other inmates—Anton Conway Bennett, Kyonne Marquise McLeod, and De’Shawn Malik Fox—who remain at large as of now. It turns out that both McLeod and Bennett have a history of vehicle break-ins, with Bennett also facing charges related to possessing stolen wheels. Fox’s prior charges are more concerning, including instances of assault and inflicting bodily injuries. Clearly, this crew is not new to the game.
The Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has now stepped in to help locate the remaining escapees. Authorities are advising the public to stay vigilant. Anyone who spots these individuals is urged to refrain from approaching them directly and to report any sightings immediately to 911. The community pulls together in these situations, and safety remains the top priority.
As the investigation unfolds, one can only hope that the remaining escapees are apprehended quickly. In the meantime, let’s hope Planco takes some time to reflect—perhaps from behind bars.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WLTX: Escaped Chesterfield County Prisoner Arrested
- Wikipedia: Escape (law)
- WISTV: Escaped Inmates Arrested
- Google Search: inmate escape Chesterfield County
- ABC News 4: Good Leads in Search for 4 Inmates
- Google Scholar: inmate escape South Carolina
- The State: Chesterfield County Crime News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prison Escape
- KCTV5: Missouri Suspect Escape
- Google News: escapee arrest news
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
