North Charleston, SC – An inmate who escaped custody last month in Dorchester County has been captured following a multi-agency investigation that also led to the arrest of two individuals accused of helping her evade law enforcement.
According to the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Lauren Ashley Thrower escaped on March 15 while being transported from the Dorchester County Detention Center to Trident Hospital for medical observation. Authorities say she fled during the visit, prompting an immediate and coordinated search effort across the region.
Sheriff Sam Richardson said Monday that investigators worked continuously with state and local partners, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, to locate the fugitive. Thrower was apprehended on April 17 at a Bank of America branch on Rivers Avenue in North Charleston after what officials described as a targeted, multi-agency operation.
During the investigation, two individuals—Brett Anthony Thrower, 37, and Stephan Montrell Aiken, 41—were arrested and charged with allegedly assisting the fugitive and interfering with law enforcement. Both remain in custody.
An internal review by the sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards found multiple procedural failures tied to the escape, including improper restraint use and delayed notification to dispatch. Officials said those breakdowns directly impacted the initial response. The detention deputy responsible for overseeing Thrower at the time has since been terminated.
Thrower, who was previously in custody on identity fraud charges, is now being held on a $175,000 bond.
Authorities continue to search for Adrian Wallace Lesston, 34, of North Charleston, who is wanted on charges of harboring an escaped convict.
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