Man arrested after deputies patrolling area notice person wearing ski mask

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says a man has been arrested after deputies patrolling area noticed person wearing ski mask.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says a man has been arrested after deputies patrolling area noticed person wearing ski mask. (Photo: Richland Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)

Friday, October 9, just after 11 a.m., deputies were patrolling in the area of 200 Zimalcrest Drive when they noticed a suspicious person wearing a ski mask walking around the Carolina Lodge.

The person was identified as Walter Halley, says RCSD.

Deputies recognized Halley as being wanted and attempted to make contact with him, at which point Halley fled on foot.

After a brief foot pursuit, deputies caught Halley, who began to fight deputies, according to Richland Co. Sheriff’s Dept.

Deputies at the scene radioed for help, and additional units were dispatched.

Also, deputies were able to gain control of Halley and place him in handcuffs, says RCSD.

The sheriff’s department says deputies discovered Halley was in possession of a firearm.

Two deputies sustained minor injuries during the struggle and were cleared by EMS at the scene.

During transportation to the jail, Halley allegedly continued to attempt escape by kicking at the transporting deputy’s patrol vehicle, causing damage to the vehicle and injury to himself.

Halley then had to be taken by EMS to a local hospital for evaluation of those injuries.

After being medically cleared, he will be taken to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

He was served with two outstanding Richland County Sheriff’s Department warrants, one for pointing and presenting and the second for felon in possession of a firearm, related to an incident that occurred in June 2026.

His additional charges are resisting arrest, assault while resisting arrest, felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, unlawful escape, and malicious injury to personal property greater than $1,000.

While responding to deputies’ call for assistance, a RCSD deputy was involved in a collision with two other vehicles at the intersection of Harbison Boulevard and Woodcross Drive.

Two other adults were taken by EMS with minor injuries.

A juvenile between the ages of 7 and 10 was also taken for evaluation.

South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the collision.