Missing Sumter teen found, man arrested in connection with runaway

A 15-year-old Sumter girl reported missing from her Dalzell-area home Friday has been located, and a 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, officials say.

Kalaje Chiles, who was seen climbing into a car outside her home on Cannery Road shortly after midnight Thursday was located by deputies at a home in the 1700 block of West Avenue South in Pinewood shortly before 8 a.m. Sunday, sheriff’s office spokesman Braden Bunch said in a statement.

Also found at the home was Nicholas Morra of Sumter. Morra has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Chiles was taken by deputies to the sheriff’s office to be reunited with her family, while Morra was taken to the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center where he awaits a bond hearing.

The incident remains under investigation. More charges and arrests are expected, Bunch said.

Mindy Lucas