Gaston PD searching for well-known felon
Gaston, SC (Paul Kirby) – Gaston police officers, assisted by officers from South Congaree, Pine Ridge, and Lexington County deputies are searching for a well-known felon who ran from them after a traffic stop. Captain Brandon Poole said that Caleb York Rowell has been arrested by officers from Gaston several times before and he is a convicted felon.
Poole was patrolling in the town when he ran the tag on the car that Rowell was driving. The tag had been reported stolen. Rowell turned into the drive of an abandoned home just as Captain Poole activated his blue lights. Rowell jumped out of the car as did a female passenger. As Poole approached Rowell with his gun drawn, the woman got in front of Rowell and began pleading for the officer not to take the suspect to jail. At that point, the woman blocked Poole’s advance while Rowell ran into the woods. Poole immediately detained the woman and requested backup.
Gaston PD deployed their bloodhound Bella who had just been certified to track. They also requested other dogs for backup from the county. Bella led the officer to a mobile home where Rowell was hiding. He bolted again with Bella and the officers in pursuit. Eventually, the K-9 led them to another home where a man asked the officers if they were searching for a young man that fit Rowell’s description. When they told him they were, the man said that Rowell had approached him and asked for a ride because a dog was chasing him. Because the man was not aware that the dog was a police tracking K-9, he gave Rowell a ride a short distance to a location on Meadowfield Road.
Captain Poole said that they have enough information on Rowell that will eventually help them locate him. South Congaree Police Chief Josh Shumpert had helped the Gaston Department by searching Rowell’s vehicle and guarding the woman in custody. During that search, he located a shotgun and pistol in the vehicle that Rowell was driving when he ran.
At this point, the young woman, Brandi Clark, has been placed under arrest and charged with hindering an officer in the performance of his duty. She is also going to be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Once Rowell is found, they will charge him with possession of firearms by a felon and other charges. If you know where Caleb York Rowell is hiding, please notify the Gaston PD by calling (803) 785-2521 or Crime Stopper 1-888-CRIME SC.
Caleb Rowell Brandi Clark
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