Manhunt Underway for Armed Suspect in Newberry County

Police patrol in dark woods during a manhunt in Newberry County

News Summary

Authorities in Newberry County, South Carolina, are conducting a manhunt for 20-year-old Landon Major Howell, who fled into the woods after being spotted armed inside a closed store. Howell, described as dangerous, has a troubling criminal history and is suspected of multiple crimes in the area. Law enforcement is actively searching for him, urging residents to report any sightings or information about his whereabouts to ensure community safety.

Manhunt in Newberry County for Armed Suspect, Landon Major Howell

In Newberry County, South Carolina, a tense manhunt is underway for a local resident, Landon Major Howell, who is wanted by the authorities. This 20-year-old was reported to be in a closed store on Kendall Road late Sunday night. Things quickly took a turn when law enforcement arrived on the scene only to find that Howell had already fled into nearby woods. Let’s take a closer look at this unfolding situation.

Midnight Madness

It all began when someone made a 911 call about Howell being inside the closed store. As deputies rushed to the scene, they learned that he had made a hasty getaway into the dark woods near Bush River Road. It was during this time that surveillance footage was reviewed, revealing Howell armed with a hatchet and various tools, a discovery that certainly raised alarms for law enforcement.

A Daring Escapade

The Newberry Police Department, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the sheriff’s office, quickly kicked off an extensive search operation. Officers searched high and low, patrolling the area and using every means possible to track him down. During their search, law enforcement authorities noticed someone walking along the railroad tracks, but in an unexpected twist, the individual darted into a thickly wooded area, adding to the complexity of the hunt.

Evading Capture

As the search continued, Howell was later believed to have entered an abandoned structure. In a crafty move, he discarded some of his clothing to further evade capture. However, the trail became cold near a highway, leading officers to think he might have gotten a ride from someone who spotted him. Luckily, no injuries were reported either during the initial incident or throughout the manhunt, much to the relief of the local community.

Understanding the Suspect

So, who exactly is Landon Major Howell? Authorities describe him as standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. It’s important to note that there are outstanding arrest warrants for Howell. He is also under suspicion for a series of crimes that have occurred along the Kendall Road area.

A Troubling Criminal History

What makes this situation even more concerning is that Howell was out on bond related to a previous arrest when this incident took place. Back in March, he faced serious charges of second-degree burglary (violent) and managed to post a $25,000 bond. Surprisingly, this man has already been arrested three times in 2024 in Newberry County alone, with previous charges that include shoplifting, second-degree burglary, and third-degree burglary, all of which he pled guilty to.

Community Safety is Key

With Howell being labeled as “dangerous” by the authorities, it’s understandable that the community is on high alert. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information about Howell or his whereabouts to come forward. Residents can contact them directly at 803-321-2222 or reach out to CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC.

As the situation continues to develop, the hope is that Howell will be captured without incident, allowing the community to feel safe once more. For now, everyone in the area should stay vigilant and report anything suspicious as the manhunt for Landon Major Howell remains active.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY

The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry 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 Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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