News Release: Update on Arrest Featured on On-Patrol: Live

01/28/26

Sheriff Leon Lott announces the findings of the Citizens Advisory Council following their review of the incident that occurred on December 6, 2025 and televised on On-Patrol: Live. As previously stated, the case was presented to both the Council and the Magistrate for review.

On, Saturday, January 17, 2026 the Citizens Advisory Council had the opportunity to review all the information to include body cam, and dash cam videos. Following a thorough review, they recommended that the deputies involved should receive additional training on de-escalation and review the Use of Force Policy. They further indicated that training on recognizing when individuals were experiencing a mental health crisis would be appropriate.

Sheriff Lott expresses his appreciation to the Citizen’s Advisory Council, stating “They are a vital part of the department’s commitment to transparency.” “I agree with their recommendations and I’ve tasked the training unit to handle this immediately.”

Further, the case was also present to the Chief Magistrate, who’s determination was that no crime was committed by the deputies. We recognize that any physical struggle is hard to watch and although our deputies are trained and equipped with non-lethal options such as a taser, which in this case was ineffective, that may prevent them from going hands-on sometimes it is the only option. We thank the community for their trust and remain committed to our Richland County community.

The charges on Maxie Outen from March and December are still pending. The zip lock bag containing mushrooms was analyzed and concluded to be Psilocin with a net wt. of 2.970 grams.

*** Original media release was posted on December 9, 2025, detailing the incident. ***

ORIGINAL POST:

News Release: Arrest Featured on On Patrol: Live

12/09/25

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department announces the arrest of Maxie Outen for several offenses following a traffic stop featured on On Patrol: Live.

On December 6, 2025, at approximately 7:45 p.m., a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Hardscrabble Rd. near Magnolia Hall Rd. for a vehicle failing to maintain lane. Once the vehicle pulled over, the deputy observed a plastic bag containing a white substance that the driver, Outen, identified to be a narcotic.

Outen was instructed to step out of the vehicle. He refused and attempted to shut the door to prevent deputies from removing him from the vehicle. Deputies began to attempt to remove Outen from the vehicle and he resisted. During the incident, deputies delivered strikes and deployed a taser in an attempt to remove him while Outen continually resisted and kicked deputies. It took several minutes to detain him.

After Outen was successfully detained, deputies conducted a search of his vehicle. The contents found within the vehicle were an open bottle of liquor, narcotics, and a firearm with a corresponding box of ammunition. Outen is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Outen was arrested and charged with Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Transport Liquor by Vehicle with Seal Broken, Assault and Battery 3rd Degree, and Resisting Arrest. He was transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center where he received a $15,000 surety bond for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a $2125 surety bond for Assault and Battery 3rd Degree, and a $257.50 surety bond for Transport Liquor by Vehicle with Seal Broken. He has been released on bond.

ON BACKGROUND:

Outen has had prior violent encounters with law enforcement.

On March 14, 2025, RCSD deputies arrested Outen for narcotics after he was stopped for running a red light. During this incident, he resisted arrest and damaged the inside of a patrol vehicle by using his feet and banging his head on the door and window of the vehicle.

Outen has 19 charges from Virginia - including a conviction for Breaking and Entering with Intent to Rape, Rob, or Murder. He currently has 8 charges in South Carolina pending trial.

Outen, who is 6’2 and 220 lbs, resisted by kicking deputies and refusing to the release the hold he had inside the vehicle. The taser was ineffective which is an indication of someone under the influence of drugs. He was in possession of mushrooms which can have a hallucinogenic effect, as well as a pistol. Once the taser was ineffective, deputies had to use physical force. Social media is only showing a portion of the actual incident. Our Professional Standards Division and Training Division will review the use of force as they do all incidents of force. Our Citizen’s Advisory Council will also review all of the evidence in their January meeting.