Search ends for missing Richland County teenager believed to be in danger, SC cops say

UPDATE: Montrell Bowers-Sanders has been located safely, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department said March 20. He was unharmed, according to the sheriff’s department, but information about where he was found was not available.

Original Story

A search is underway for a missing South Carolina teenager with medical issues.

Montrell Bowers-Sanders was publicly reported missing by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Wednesday. The 14-year-old has not been seen for three days, the sheriff’s department said in a news release.

Montrell was last seen March 17 while in the 7300 block of Parkview Drive in Columbia, according to the release. That’s near Exit 73 on Interstate 20, which is the junction with S.C. 277.

There was no word if Montrell was considered a runaway, or if he was alone when he was last seen. The sheriff’s department did not say if foul play was suspected in Montrell’s disappearance.

The teen has medical issues that require treatment, the sheriff’s department said. Further information on his condition was not available, but the sheriff’s department said Montrell is “believed to be in danger as he requires medical assistance.”

The sheriff’s department didn’t provide a description of Montrell, but said he was last seen wearing blue jeans, a multicolored shirt and a blue fleece.

Anyone who has seen Montrell, or has information about him, is asked to call the sheriff’s department at 803-576-3000, or CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 10:04 AM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription