Man, 24, wanted in connection with home invasion arrested

ERIC SANTELL WELLS

By JOE PERRY
Item Senior Staff Writer
jperry@theitem.com

A 24-year-old man wanted in connection with an Oct. 21 home invasion was arrested Tuesday and is facing numerous charges.

Eric Santell Wells, of 461 Rogers Ave., has been charged with first degree burglary, kidnapping, armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, discharging a firearm into a dwelling and unlawful carrying of a pistol, according to a press release from the Sumter Police Department.

Capt. Alvin Holston said city police worked with sheriff's deputies in taking Wells into custody without incident, noting that Wells had a revolver in his possession when he was arrested.

Police have said about 11 p.m. on Oct. 21, two men brandishing handguns forced their way into a unit at Wall Street Green Apartments in the 900 block of Wolf Pack Court intent on robbing the occupants. A shot was fired, and a male resident of the apartment was struck on the head with a gun, police said. Shortly thereafter, a 25-year-old man was arrested and charged with armed robbery.

About an hour before the home invasion, three men wearing dark clothing and masks forced their way into a Harrison Street home. Shots were fired, but no one was injured, and the three men fled the scene in a dark-colored vehicle. Holston said investigators are still trying to determine if the two home invasions are related.

Police are still seeking a third man, described as black, 5 feet 8 inches, about 25 to 30 years old with a shaved head and a medium to heavy build.

Anyone with information on either incident or the man in the sketch is asked to contact the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.



Contact Senior Staff Writer Joe Perry at jperry@theitem.com or (803) 774-1272.