SUMTER COUNTY, SC (WACH) – — During a social check, a partially paralyzed, vulnerable adult was found bleeding and with his hair cut off.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), 24-year-old Nathanael Jackson of Wedgefield is accused of destroying the victim’s phone and Life Alert button to prevent her from getting help.
“This heartbreaking situation should remind us all to check on our family members and neighbors who live alone or may be at risk,” said Sheriff Anthony Dennis. “Our neighborhood watches are trying to do this, and I hope everyone will check on their neighbors and call us if they are concerned.”
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According to officials, family members became concerned and contacted the SCSO around midnight on August 23.
When officers arrived at the Wedgefields’ home, they saw Jackson standing on the porch of the unlit house and could hear a woman’s voice screaming for help in the dark house.
While Jackson was being arrested, family members entered the room and found the victim, officials say.
The suspect allegedly took the victim’s walker and other items that could have helped him escape his home.
Jackson is accused of abuse of a vulnerable person and kidnapping.
He is being held at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center awaiting a bail hearing.
