Two Teens Who Escaped DJJ Custody In SC Have Been Arrested

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Two teenagers, Malachi Joseph Ussery and Robert Richard Louis Bissonnette IV, are on the run after escaping from a South Carolina juvenile justice facility. Authorities are urging the public to avoid engaging with the teens, as one of them has a violent criminal history.

Two Teens Who Escaped DJJ Custody In SC Have Been Arrested
Source: Fox Carolina

The Escape from Juvenile Justice Facility

On August 28, 2023, 18-year-old Malachi Joseph Ussery and 17-year-old Robert Richard Louis Bissonnette IV escaped from the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. The incident occurred at the Three Rivers Behavioral Health facility in Lexington County, where the teens were being held. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has since been leading the efforts to locate the teens. Despite their initial escape occurring over two weeks ago, as of Thursday, authorities confirmed that both individuals remain at large.

Descriptions of the Escapees

Malachi Joseph Ussery, a Columbia native, has blue eyes and brown hair. Authorities have warned the public not to approach Ussery, as he is considered dangerous due to his violent criminal background. The specific details of his criminal history have not been disclosed, but authorities emphasize that extreme caution is necessary when dealing with him. Robert Richard Louis Bissonnette IV, from Anderson, South Carolina, is described as having hazel eyes and brown hair. Bissonnette was last seen on September 6 in West Columbia, along Sunset Boulevard. Authorities have suggested that Bissonnette’s appearance may have changed since his escape, with the possibility of shorter hair or a shaved head.

Public Safety Warning

SLED has issued a warning to the public, advising against engaging with either of the escapees. The public is instead encouraged to contact 911 if they spot Ussery or Bissonnette or if they have any information regarding their whereabouts. Authorities have been combing through potential leads but are still urging community members to remain vigilant. The search is being treated as a high-priority case due to the nature of the escapees’ backgrounds, particularly Ussery’s violent tendencies.

Two Teens Who Escaped DJJ Custody In SC Have Been Arrested
Source: WYFF

While the circumstances of their escape have not been fully detailed, the incident has raised questions about security measures at the Three Rivers Behavioral Health facility. This incident marks another example of the risks posed by escapees from juvenile justice centers, underscoring the need for continued attention to security protocols. As of now, efforts to capture Ussery and Bissonnette continue, with the teens still at large. Authorities are hopeful that public cooperation and tips will lead to their safe capture without any harm to the community

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