ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — Chillicothe Police Department detectives, in collaboration with South Carolina State Police, successfully apprehended an out of state man wanted for a shooting, who was hiding in Ross County.
Ladarius Jquan Harris, 27, also known as “Glock,” was arrested this week at America’s Best Value Inn motel in Chillicothe. The arrest followed a joint effort to track Harris, who was wanted in South Carolina after shooting a man who died.
On Wednesday, Dec. 27, Harris is believed to have shot Danny Ray Crisp, 50, of Spartanburg inside of a Dollar General in Duncan. null
Crisp died a few days later at the hospital.
According to officials, prior to the incident the two men had been in a disagreement where shots were fired, but not reported.
The sheriff’s office said surveillance video from Dollar General of the day of the shooting shows Crisp arm himself with a mallet and follow Harris around the store. The video also reportedly shows Crisp motioning for his wife and daughter to exit the store, then raising the mallet and heading towards the aisle Harris was on.
Store cameras did not capture the shooting, but based on the video, investigators believe the shooting was in self defense. However, the sheriff’s office said based on Harris’ criminal history, he appeared to have violated two weapons offenses.
Detectives received information that Harris had fled to Ohio, and a ping on his phone led them to Room #70 at America’s Best Value Inn. Upon arrival, they discovered a red Nissan Altima, registered to Sonya Harris, parked outside the room. Surveillance revealed a connection between Ladarius Harris, his girlfriend Haylee Steadman, and a female, Natalie Chmielewski.
A search warrant was obtained and executed with the assistance of the Chillicothe Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) due to the potential presence of guns. Both Steadman and Chmielewski were detained without incident. Harris, who had an active warrant and was charged as a Fugitive from Justice, surrendered peacefully after negotiating with officers.
Upon entering Room #70, officers discovered drug paraphernalia, including syringes and meth. Harris was transported to the Ross County Jail, while Steadman and Chmielewski, found without active warrants, were released at the scene.
The Red Nissan Altima associated with the suspects was towed for further investigation.
The case remains ongoing as investigators continue to gather evidence and pursue leads related to the individuals involved.