Man Escapes From Columbia Juvenile Center, Police Still Searching

A man who was sentenced for assaulting an elderly woman has escaped from a Columbia juvenile facility. 16-year-old Nicholas Rios plead guilty to attempted murder, burglary, criminal sexual assault and kidnapping back in December. He was currently serving his 35 year long sentence in the DJJ Broad River Road Complex in Columbia. It’s believed he escaped last night though police are unsure how. Rios is 5’2″ and 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, khaki pants & black shoes. SLED agents and law enforcement are currently searching for him. They urge citizens in the area to use extreme caution and to call 911 immediately if you see him.