On Sunday evening officers responded to 23 Elizabeth St and found Melvin Eugene Powell age 80, of Danville, deceased with visible signs of violent injury. The suspect, Richard Lance London age 22 had already fled in a vehicle taken from the the scene. He was wanted on an outstanding probation violation and was entered into the National Crime Information Center as a wanted person and an armed homicide suspect. The associated vehicle was also entered.
At approximately 1:30 am this morning Lake City South Carolina Police Department attempted to stop the Mercury driven by London. After a short pursuit along heavily traveled U.S. Highway 52 London stopped the car and exited firing a handgun at the officers. He was subsequently shot and later died at an area hospital. At this time there are no other suspects in the murder of Melvin Powell.
The Danville Police Department has exhausted all information on next of kin for Mr. Powell. Anyone having knowledge of living relatives of Melvin Powell is requested to call (434) 799- 6508.