LANCASTER, S.C. — The Lancaster Police Department said a child forcibly taken from his home Tuesday morning has been safely located.
Officers say around 8 a.m., 38-year-old Derrick Lamont Nelson forced his way into a home where his 9-month-old child lived. The department said Nelson, who does not have custody of the boy, got inside the home without permission and aimed a gun at the child's mother. He tried to take another sibling but was reportedly unsuccessful.
While in another room at the home, police say Nelson assaulted a juvenile and took the toddler by force, fleeing in a grey Lincoln sedan with tinted windows and chrome rims.
Nelson has been deemed armed and dangerous by police. He stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 190 pounds. He has brown eyes and black dreadlocks down to the middle of his back. Nelson was last seen wearing a black jacket and wearing jeans.
WCNC Charlotte has confirmed with police Nelson remains on the run and is still deemed armed and dangerous.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.