Father Arrested in Sumter County After Abandoning Child During Police Chase

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) – In a shocking turn of events, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has reported the arrest of Faquanta Urell Benjamin, a 21-year-old man, after he abandoned his own child in a vehicle while attempting to escape from law enforcement authorities.

According to officials, Benjamin’s arrest followed the issuance of an arrest warrant against him. On November 15, a deputy from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office noticed a car matching the description of a stolen vehicle. Upon verifying the information, the deputy made a quick U-turn and attempted to initiate a stop.

However, Benjamin, who was behind the wheel, tried to evade the deputy by turning onto Starview Drive and eventually stopping near Wentworth Court. As Benjamin brought the vehicle to a halt, the passenger, carrying an infant, swiftly exited the car and fled the scene.

To the horror of onlooking deputies, the passenger abandoned the infant at a nearby residence before continuing to evade law enforcement. Fortunately, the child was found and safely returned to its mother.

The deputy immediately ordered Benjamin to exit the vehicle, and after he was detained, he was identified as the driver. Further investigation by detectives revealed that the infant left at the residence was the same child Benjamin had abandoned during a previous traffic stop on November 6, where he had fled from the police.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies uncovered ten counterfeit $100 bills, raising suspicions of additional criminal activity.

Charges and Detention

Faquanta Urell Benjamin is currently being held at the Sumter County Detention Center. He is facing charges of unlawful conduct toward a child by willfully abandoning and endangering the child, possession of a stolen vehicle, and driving with a suspended license.

Assistance Required

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in gathering any information that could aid in the ongoing investigation. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 803-436-2000 or use the Crimestoppers tips app.

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