Dorchester County, SC – A Summerville woman remains in custody after deputies responded to a reported disturbance involving children at a Dorchester County apartment complex Saturday evening.
According to the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 6 p.m. Saturday to Haven Oaks Apartments on Orangeburg Road following reports of a civil disturbance. While en route, deputies were advised that the suspect, later identified as Laura Elizabeth Warwick, 36, of Summerville, had fled the immediate scene and was last seen near a nearby Dollar General.
Deputies said several individuals located Warwick and surrounded her to prevent her from leaving before law enforcement arrived.
Investigators determined that Warwick allegedly went to a neighborhood playground wearing her pants completely down and began harassing children who were playing in the area. Authorities say Warwick allegedly grabbed one minor child by the hair and restrained another child against their will, preventing them from breaking free.
An adult reportedly intervened and was able to force the children out of Warwick’s grasp until deputies arrived.
Warwick was taken into custody and charged with Kidnapping, two counts of Indecent Exposure, and Simple Assault, according to the sheriff’s office. She was transported to the L.C. Knight Detention Center, where she remains held.
“This investigation remains active and ongoing,” the sheriff’s office stated.
In a statement, Sheriff Sam Richardson commended the actions of the adults who intervened. “The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office will not tolerate offenders who endanger the most innocent among us, our children,” Richardson said.
The incident occurred in the Summerville area of Dorchester County, part of the greater Charleston metro region. Authorities have not released additional details at this time.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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