Graniteville Man Attempts Daring Escape from Police Custody While in Wheelchair at Beech Island Hospital

Graniteville Man Attempts Daring Escape While in Wheelchair

In the small town of Beech Island, South Carolina, a rather unusual event unfolded this past Sunday when police apprehended a man wanted for armed robbery, only to have him attempt an escape from deputy custody while being helped by hospital staff.

Who is Larry Turner?

The man at the center of this incident is 46-year-old Larry Turner from Graniteville. He had been on the radar of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office for some time due to his involvement in a violent crime that took place in December 2023. Officials stated that Turner was actively sought for armed robbery and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. A serious situation indeed, and it was during a traffic stop that law enforcement gained a significant lead on his whereabouts.

How Did It All Happen?

Things escalated quickly when deputies, after gathering information from the traffic stop, arrived at the Ashley Motel, located on the bustling 4874 Jefferson Davis Highway. When they got there, they noticed a Black male fitting Turner’s description and called out to him, instructing him to exit the room with his hands raised. However, Turner’s response was anything but cooperative. Alongside a woman, he was seen darting around the room and even into the bathroom, refusing to come out.

After a few tense moments, Turner finally surrendered and was taken into custody without any further issues. But just when it seemed that the drama had come to an end, it took a surprising turn.

From Custody to Emergency

After being detained, Turner was placed in the back of a patrol vehicle. Suddenly, he became unresponsive, which raised immediate concern among the deputies. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) quickly arrived on the scene to assess the situation. In an effort to revive him, paramedics administered two doses of Narcan, which is commonly used to counteract opioid overdoses. After this alarming episode, Turner was taken to the emergency room for further evaluation. However, this was just the beginning of an unexpected turn of events.

The Daring Escape

While at the hospital, things took a dramatic twist. As hospital staff were assisting him in a wheelchair, Turner suddenly stood up, declaring, “I’m not going to jail!” He bolted toward the hospital parking lot, kicking off an impromptu chase. Law enforcement quickly sprang into action, but it was not without a struggle.

After a brief but intense foot pursuit, Turner was ultimately captured near Medical Park Drive. It seems our friend Larry had a moment of wild inspiration that didn’t quite work out. Instead of escaping, he was taken back into custody, this time facing several serious charges that now include escape in addition to the original counts of armed robbery and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

What’s Next for Larry Turner?

Turner has now been transferred to the Aiken County Detention Center, where his bond has been set at a hefty $80,000. With all these developments, it’s clear that the saga of Larry Turner has not just been a simple arrest; it’s spiraled into something more noteworthy and dramatic. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change—from an arrest to an attempted escape—all happening right in our community.

This episode certainly adds another chapter to the not-so-ordinary happenings of Beech Island, where it seems like there’s never a dull moment. As this story unfolds, it will be interesting to see what the coming months hold for Larry Turner and how this will impact our local community.