Shannon Charlie Gillespie, 44, of Piedmont has been served with three outstanding warrants including possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, and trafficking in methamphetamine after fleeing from authorities and later being found with the help of a K-9 unit.
According to reports, on July 16 Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 3300 Abbeville Highway in Anderson in reference to a stolen vehicle that had been spotted by the owner. The vehicle pulled into the Stop-a-Minit at that location but the suspect, later identified as Gillespie, fled on foot into the nearby woods on Beckman Drive.
Deputies quickly located Gillespie but instead of following their commands the suspect continued to run further into the woods, hiding among the thick briars and bushes.
K-9 Bono and his partner Deputy Brian Picard were called to the scene.
Bono was able to locate and apprehend Gillespie, despite Gillespie’s attempt to prevent his capture by holding on to the K9’s muzzle. Gillespie was taken into custody and transported to AnMed for treatment of the resulting dog bite.
A key to the stolen vehicle was located in the suspect’s pocket and plastic baggies containing substances that field tested positive for methamphetamine were located in the vehicle.
Gillespie was released from the hospital yesterday and booked into the Anderson County Detention Center. He has been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, and trafficking in methamphetamine. He is currently being held on a $25,000 surety bond.
There have been five suspect apprehensions by Sheriff’s K9s within the past six weeks.
