Deputies Rescue Infant, Arrest Two After Drug Investigation in Pickens County

Authorities found the 3-week-old being carried through the woods by suspects with meth and paraphernalia.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing a white crystalline powder, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The recovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during the rescue of a 3-week-old infant exposes the dangerous realities of drug use and child endangerment.Pickens Today

Deputies in Pickens County, South Carolina rescued a 3-week-old infant on Tuesday after finding the child being carried through the woods by two people who were later arrested on drug and child endangerment charges. The deputies were responding to a report of drug use at a home with no power or running water, and after entering the home, they searched the surrounding area and located the suspects attempting to evade them while carrying the infant.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing drug use and child endangerment, especially in impoverished or remote areas. The rescue of the infant underscores the importance of vigilant policing and the need for greater resources to support families in crisis and prevent such dangerous situations.

The details

When deputies arrived at the home on Watermill Road, they were unable to get anyone to answer the door. Acting on a court order, they entered the home and found an open back door. Deputies then searched the surrounding woods and located two people walking through the area, apparently trying to evade them. The suspects were carrying the 3-week-old infant at the time. Investigators said deputies recovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during the encounter. The child was turned over to the Department of Human Resources and taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

  • On Tuesday, deputies responded to the home on Watermill Road.
  • During the search, deputies located the suspects carrying the infant through the woods.

The players

Pickens County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and rescued the infant.

Department of Human Resources

The agency that took custody of the infant and transported the child to a hospital for evaluation.

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What they’re saying

“I commend our deputies for their diligence and commitment in locating the individuals and ensuring the safety of this child. This incident is just one example of the hard work our men and women perform each and every day in some of the most difficult situations.”

— Pickens County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The two suspects arrested will face charges of possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities will work to determine if any additional charges are warranted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing drug use and child endangerment, especially in underserved communities. It underscores the importance of vigilant policing and the need for greater resources to support families in crisis and prevent such dangerous situations from occurring.