The Columbia Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in searching for a potential kidnapping suspect who has reportedly fled to Columbia from Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg police officers responded to a domestic altercation Thursday morning on Millpond Drive around 8:15 a.m. At the scene, officers were informed that a male, later identified as De’Trae Lewis, 28, of Hattiesburg, kidnapped his estranged wife from her residence and attempted to flee to Columbia. The victim was able to escape to safety before the police’s arrival.
Thursday afternoon Columbia police and Sheriff’s deputies responded to Carolyn Avenue after a report the suspect was in the area. Both departments searched the area, but the suspect still remained at large as of press time Thursday. On Thursday, Public Information Officer Ryan Moore said that it is believed that Lewis is still in Columbia.
Lewis has an active arrest warrant for kidnapping.
Moore said if anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Lewis to contact their local police department, Hattiesburg Police Department or Metro Crime Stoppers at (601) 582-STOP (7867).
