COLUMBIA, S.C. — Teens Back in Custody After Escape from Behavioral Health Facility
In a recent turn of events in Columbia, South Carolina, two teenagers who had successfully escaped from the Department of Juvenile Justice custody are now safely back in custody. The teens, identified as Malachi Joseph Ussery, 18, from Columbia, and Robert Richard Louis Bissonnette IV, 17, from Anderson, made headlines after their escape from the Three Rivers Behavioral Health facility in Lexington County on August 28.
Where They Were Last Seen
For several days, the search was on, with officials believing that Bissonnette was last spotted on September 6, on Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia. The situation escalated to a point where authorities were urging the public not to approach the two and advised law enforcement personnel to exercise extreme caution if they encountered either teen. This level of caution was due, in part, to Ussery’s reportedly violent criminal history.
The Collaborative Efforts to Find the Teens
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (SCDJJ) took immediate action after the escape. They released a statement assuring the public that they were working closely with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) to locate the fleeing teens. The statement revealed that the three agencies were actively collaborating to determine whether the two boys were still together at the time of their escape.
Clarifications from Three Rivers Behavioral Health
On Thursday afternoon, Three Rivers Behavioral Health Midlands made headlines again by issuing their own statement. They emphasized that despite the escape reports, the facility had not experienced an “elopement,” and all of their patients were safely accounted for. This raises the question of how these two teens managed to slip through the cracks unnoticed, and it has left the community buzzing with curiosity.
Questions Still Remain
With the escape generating significant concern, there are many lingering questions. How did the teens manage to escape? Who was responsible for their supervision at the time of the incident? And why did it take over two weeks for the public to be informed about their disappearance?
As of the latest updates from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, they have assured residents that more information about the case will be made available in the coming days. This has left many residents eager for answers and hoping for a resolution that ensures community safety.
Community Safety and Awareness
The incident highlights a clear need for vigilance within the community. As residents of Columbia, it’s important to stay informed and aware of our surroundings, especially in situations involving individuals with a violent past. The collaborative efforts of the local law enforcement agencies show their commitment to community safety, and the resounding message that authorities prioritize public awareness in times of crisis.
As the investigation unfolds, we can only hope that answers will come quickly. In the meantime, it’s essential to engage in conversations about community safety and support the efforts made by our local authorities. With every citizen playing their part, we can help ensure our neighborhoods remain safe for everyone.
