WHAT’S GOING ON: UPDATE — Greenville Neighborhood Area On Lockdown As Police Search For Suspect
Around 9:40 a.m., a police officer conducting a license plate check at a Laurens Road area motel discovered a tag that was later found to be stolen. The officer worked to identify the vehicle’s owner, and the suspect fled the scene in a silver Chevrolet Tahoe. A chase ensued, but since it was only a traffic violation at the time, the officer terminated pursuit.
A female City of Greenville Police officer saw the vehicle in the Berkley Point Apartments and attempted to locate the owner. The suspect (a black male wearing gray pants and a gray shirt, aged 30-35, and with long hair tied in a pony tail) fired at the officer from a breezeway. The officer sought cover and returned fire.
The two exchanged multiple rounds, and the officer was not hit. It’s not currently known if the suspect was hit.
The suspect fled and is being tracked by K-9 units and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office helicopter. SWAT, SLED, Highway Patrol, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office are on scene assisting with the search and investigation.
Christ Church Episcopal School, St. Joseph’s Catholic (Middle and High) Schools, Sara Collins Elementary, Washington Center, Patrick Center, JL Mann High School, Greenville Technical College, Virginia College, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School, and the UPS distribution facility are all on lockdown.
Law enforcement officials set a wide perimeter that includes Mauldin Road (from I-85 to Cavalier Drive), East Parkins Mill Road, and Fairforest Way at Ridge Road.
Area residents are urged to stay inside with their doors locked and to call police at 911 if they see anything suspicious.
UPDATE: After an exhaustive day, Greenville area law enforcement officials have called of the search for the suspect now identified as 25 year old Patrick Dean Lowrance of Duncan, SC. Greenville Police Chief Terri Wilfong said around 4:00 this afternoon that she and others feel, based on evidence, that Lowrance was able to get outside the police perimeter and escape by vehicle with the aid of an unknown individual or individuals. Wilfong said that based on conversations with someone who had been in contact with Lowrance, he was apparently hit by a bullet. She said local area medical facilities have been alerted to Lowrance’s condition. While the search area has now reopened and Lowrance is not believed to be in the area any more, Wilfong said that people need to remain observant of their surroundings, “act smartly,” and to call 911 if they observe any suspicious behavior.
UPDATE: Responding to a tip, Greenville County deputies arrested Lowrance at a home located at 105 Mooremont Avenue in Greenville County.
