Three Arrested Following Florence County Targeted Operation

Florence County Sheriff's Office aviation, K9 units, and SWAT teams assisted deputies in searching areas surrounding the business community.

Three people were arrested following a targeted operation in Florence County.

Florence County Sheriff’s Office aviation, K9 units, and SWAT teams assisted deputies in searching areas surrounding the business community along Lucas Street near Interstate 95 as well as TV Road.

The operation was conducted after the Florence County Court of Common Pleas declared the Baymont Inn and Suites on West Lucas Street as a public nuisance. The court granted a temporary injunction and it was forced to shutdown due to repeated criminal activity.

A search warrant was executed at the Florence Express Inn. There, deputies seized illegal narcotics and a firearm. 36-year-old Antonio Hemingway, 37-year-old Russell Benjamine, and 41-year-old Kionne Echols were arrested. Each face charges including possession regarding drugs and firearms.