Sheriff's office nabs armed robbery suspect

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has reported the arrest of 42-year-old Sumter resident Kevin Charles Kellenbenz Monday after a three-hour manhunt in the Oswego community of Sumter County.

Kellenbenz, who had multiple warrants for his arrest on various violent crimes, including armed robbery and weapons charges, was named to the SCSO’s most-wanted list last week after running from officers during a traffic stop.

About 5 p.m. Monday, investigators received an anonymous tip that the suspect could be hiding at a residence in Oswego, according to the SCSO, and upon arrival, officers were informed the suspect had recently departed the residence.

Investigators then called additional officers to the area and a perimeter was established to begin a manhunt for the suspect, SCSO said. At approximately 8 p.m., the suspect was spotted on Bell Road near U.S. 401 and was taken into custody, according to the report.

Among other incidents, Kellenbenz was wanted in connection with an Amanda Circle area armed robbery last month in which victims reported the suspect entered a home and stole an estimated $1,000 at gunpoint, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The report said the investigation into Kellenbenz’s whereabouts during the past week will continue, and additional arrests for harboring a fugitive are possible.

According to public records, Kellendbenz was charged with robbery/armed robbery and booked into the Sumter-Lee Detention Center.