Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators have arrested a man accused of falsely reporting to police officers that two children were abducted during a car theft at a local hotel this morning.
Darrell Kendall Shealy (DOB: 11-2-1962) is charged with Filing a False Report (Section 16-17-722 B) and will be transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC).
Under SC law, a person who ‘knowingly files a false r
eport is guilty of a felony and upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than five years or fined not more than $1,000 or both.’
After being interviewed by investigators, Shealy admitted to being intoxicated at the time that he reported the incident. The exact motive continues to be determined.
CPD officers were initially dispatched to 180 Stoneridge Drive at the Extended Stay America Hotel at approximately 9:15 a.m.
Shealy reported that his two sons, ages 3 and 7 were asleep inside of a dark blue BMW that was left idling when he quickly went inside the hotel. When he returned a few minutes later, Shealy said the car and children were gone.
Officers were immediately deployed to areas around the hotel, along interstates, and across the City to search for the vehicle and children. Two South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) helicopters searched from the air. CPD officers were also joined in the search efforts by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD).
“We have dedicated a lot of resources and man hours, an aircraft and technology. We pulled resources from other assignments,” says Police Chief Skip Holbrook. “It’s just been a very frustrating day to have this. We are glad that the children are safe of course, but this is something that’s unacceptable and we will hold Mr. Shealy accountable for his actions.”
Investigators researched Shealy’s criminal history and family connections, and learned that he is acquaintances with the children’s mother but is not the biological father as he first claimed.
The children’s mother has been cooperating with CPD.
After several hours, CPD investigators located both children safe; the 3-year-old was at a daycare and then to the care of a relative, and the 7-year-old was at a local school. CPD officers also located the vehicle.
At this time, there is no indication that the children were ever at the Extended Stay hotel.
Chief Holbrook says, “We have to err on the side of caution and investigate everything just as it’s reported until we have proven otherwise.”
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.