WMBFNews.com, Myrtle Beach/Florence SC, WeatherU.S. Marshals capture Florence Co. fugitive hiding in closet

From the U.S. Marshals

COLUMBIA, SC The US Marshals announce the arrest of Tabias Lorland McFadden, AKA: "Weenie" while attempting to hide in a closet in Grovetown, GA. McFadden has been eluding police since August 20, 2011 when warrants were issued by Florence County Sheriff's Department after he was allegedly involved in a shooting incident to include charges of two counts Attempted Murder, one count of Firing a Firearm into an Occupied Dwelling, one count of Discharging firearm into vehicle, and one count of Armed Robbery.   Additionally, Lake City Police issued warrants for the alleged misconduct of two counts Kidnapping, two counts Armed Robbery, one count First Degree Burglary, one count Second Degree Assault & Battery, and one count Possession of Weapon During a Violent Crime.

Florence County investigators and Lake City detectives attempted to locate McFadden with in their respective jurisdictional areas and developed information leading them to believe McFadden had fled the area. Operation Intercept (OPIN), the US Marshals fugitive task force was contacted for their assistance on January 30, and Deputy US Marshals and Task Force Officers went to work on locating McFadden.  While OPIN was actively seeking the whereabouts of McFadden, Sumter County Sheriff's Office obtained warrants for McFadden for two counts of Murder and one count of Armed Robbery stemming from an alleged incident on December 26, 2011 at the Money Service Convenience Store where the victims passed away after being shot during the robbery. After learning OPIN was aggressively working the case of McFadden Sumter County requested to have their warrants added to the manhunt.  OPIN gladly obliged Sumter County and continued to pursue McFadden.

On Wednesday, OPIN received an anonymous tip stating McFadden may have fled to Grovetown, GA and was seeking refuge off of Perry Mill Circle.  Acting on this tip OPIN contacted their counterparts at the South East Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) and passed along the tipster information.  SERFTF developed further information after setting up surveillance on McFadden's location and moved in to affect the arrest.  Upon arriving at the residence Deputy US Marshals were allowed to enter the home and discovered McFadden hiding in a bedroom closet.  McFadden was taken into custody and transported to the Columbia County Detention Center where he awaits court proceedings.

"Tabias McFadden can no longer run and hide.  He must stand before a court of law on the alleged charges against him.  This dangerous and violent fugitive is no longer causing fear on the streets of South Carolina.  McFadden thought fleeing to another state would bring him solitude from the law enforcement community, however he under estimated the jurisdictional reach of the US Marshals Service.  To the victims of these heinous acts we hope this brings you some peace knowing McFadden has been apprehended.  I value the partnerships we have with all law enforcement involved and stand proud to represent the dedication of the men and women to bring McFadden to justice." stated Kelvin Washington, US Marshal for the District of South Carolina.

"Our office works very closely with the Marshals' Service, and we are proud that one of our Investigators is permanently assigned to the Fugitive Task Force," Sheriff Kenney Boone stated. "With the assistance of the Marshals' Service, there is no place for a fugitive to hide.  We will eventually find you. Thanks to the Marshals' Service for their great work in this case."

Established in 1789, the United States Marshals Service is the nation's oldest federal law enforcement agency. In fiscal 2010, the Marshals arrested more than 36,100 federal fugitives, clearing 39,400 felony warrants and arrested 11,072 sex offenders.  Marshal's Service-led task forces like South Carolina's Operation Intercept arrested 81,900 state and local fugitives, clearing 108,200 felony warrants. Locally, Operation Intercept arrested over 2,500 South Carolina fugitives during that same period. More information about the Marshals and other South Carolina fugitives can be found on the web at www.usmarshals.gov.