MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — A suspect who fled from law enforcement outside the Berkeley County Detention Center earlier this month has turned himself in, bringing an end to a days-long search that prompted a large police response.
Jovon Perlote, 18, turned himself in Monday afternoon, April 13, according to Summerville Police Deputy Chief Chris Hirsch. He was transported to the Berkeley County Detention Center.
Perlote will now face an additional charge of escape, along with his original charge of breaking into a motor vehicle.
The development comes after Perlote fled custody in the early morning hours of April 3 while being transported to the Hill-Finklea Detention Center for booking. Authorities said he ran from officers while still outside the facility and before being secured inside.
At the time, Perlote had been arrested by Summerville Police on charges including auto breaking and entering and possession of burglary tools following a reported incident in the South Pointe subdivision.
His escape triggered a coordinated search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. K-9 units and aerial drones were deployed as officers canvassed the area surrounding the detention center.
Authorities had urged residents not to approach Perlote and to call 911 with any information regarding his whereabouts as the search continued.
It remains unclear where Perlote had been during the days following his escape. Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to his decision to turn himself in.
