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Numerous law enforcement agencies came to the region near Hagood Avenue to assist the City of Barnwell Police Department’s (BPD) search for a fugitive in violation of parole.
The search for Wadell Williams III, 32, began around 4 p.m. on Monday, July 22 and lasted until he was in custody around 11:30 p.m.
According to BPD Chief Michael Butts, Williams had multiple warrants for his arrest issued through BPD, Bamberg County, Probation & Parole, and the Second Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Over the weekend, Williams was suspected to have stolen a vehicle in Bamberg County while on bond for prior charges.
According to Chief Butts, Williams had cut his ankle monitor which he was wearing from a previous arrest by BPD for domestic violence, leading law enforcement to begin looking into his whereabouts.
The S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) had been notified by Bamberg County law enforcement when Williams was first suspected to have stolen the vehicle.
BPD began receiving tips about Williams whereabouts during this time.
According to Chief Butts, Williams is suspected to also have stolen a Can-Am side-by-side vehicle during this ordeal.
While Williams was enroute from the Bamberg area to Barnwell County, law enforcement was able to track phone calls made by Williams which aided in the apprehension.
A helicopter was brought out to assist in the search along with the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office, the Barnwell County Emergency Management Department, and S.C. Highway Patrol.
On Tuesday, July 23, Williams was charged in Barnwell County with first degree Domestic Violence, Unlawful Communication, and Trespassing. A bond hearing was held at 10 a.m. the same day.
Williams has criminal charges in Barnwell County spanning over the last decade, having appeared in court for charges such as domestic violence, pointing and presenting a firearm, and assault & battery, according to online public court records.
He currently has pending charges from 2018 and 2019 in Bamberg County for robbery, forgery, and kidnapping, as well as April 2024 Bamberg County pending charges for domestic violence.
According to Chief Butts, more warrants for Williams are to come in relation to Monday’s events.
