A 21-year-old man is in custody following an armed home invasion and search early Wednesday morning in Elgin. The Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as Elijah Isaiah Bell. Deputies and Elgin Police responded around 3:30 a.m. to a home on the 1600 block of Smyrna Road, where investigators say Bell forced his way inside, awakening the residents.
Authorities later determined that a flashlight Bell used was mounted directly to his firearm, meaning the weapon was pointed at the residents when he illuminated them. Bell then fled on foot. Kershaw County deputies and Elgin Police quickly deployed K-9 and drone teams to search the area. During the search, authorities say Bell accidentally shot himself in the leg while attempting to evade law enforcement. About 45 minutes after the burglary, a family member called 911 from a McGee Street residence requesting medical assistance for Bell’s gunshot wound. Officers responded and took him into custody.
Bell was transported to a local hospital for treatment, then cleared and transferred to the Kershaw County Detention Center. Sheriff Lee Boan credited the rapid response and coordination between the two agencies and said he was grateful the residents were not injured. Charges against Bell are pending as the investigation continues.