A murder suspect, who has been evading arrest since June 2022, was arrested on May 3rd after a short pursuit by law enforcement in Florence, South Carolina.
Florence County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Unit initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle as it turned into the Magnolia Mall just off the 160 exit of I-95.
The vehicle did not stop but led deputies on a pursuit in the parking lot of the Magnolia Mall. At some point, the driver fled on foot into the mall, and deputies pursued. Deputies observed that the suspect had a handgun. At one point during the foot pursuit in the mall, the suspect pulled the handgun and pointed it at the deputy. The deputy drew his duty weapon to defend himself, but due to the close proximity of civilians, the deputy could not safely shoot. Instead, the deputy quickly transitioned from the handgun to a Taser and was able to safely immobilize the suspect and secure his weapon. The suspect was then taken into custody.
It was later determined that the suspect, Jason Tyvon McRae, was wanted by Robeson County for murder.
“Our CEU Unit doesn’t just find drugs on the Interstate,” Sheriff TJ Joye stated. “Sometimes they find murder suspects. They are true professionals doing a dangerous job and they make us all proud.”
McRae was transported to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office for processing.
McRae, 30, of Dillon, S.C., was wanted by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office in relation to the death of Shawn T. Campbell, 20, of Fairmont. McRae is charged with first degree murder, first degree burglary, robbery with a dangerous weapon, discharging firearm within enclosure to incite fear, possession of firearm by felon and felony conspiracy. On Monday, May 23, 2022 at approximately 12:45 am, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to 9310 Hwy 130 By-Pass, Fairmont, NC in reference to an individual shot. Upon the arrival of the deputies, Campbell was found inside of the residence deceased.
McRae is charged as a fugitive from justice in Florence County . McRae is being held in the Florence County Detention Center without bond while awaiting extradition.
“ We are thankful that no law enforcement officers or the public were harmed as this could have been a true tragedy in a congested area,” said Sheriff Burnis Wilkins. “We appreciate the efforts of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office in bringing this murder suspect into custody.”
The investigation is ongoing. The case is being investigated by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Criminal Investigations Divisions, the U.S. Marshals Carolina Fugitive Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fairmont Police Department, Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, and Florence County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation. Anyone with information about the case are asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 671-3170.
NOTE: Under our system of justice, every person is presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained here is not intended to be an expression of opinion regarding guilt.
