Reported runaway teen found safe and unharmed, Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office confirms

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - [UPDATE 1/22/2026] 16-year-old reported runaway, Jeremiah Donnell Byas of St. Helena Island was located safe and unharmed, said the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

“As of last night, January 21, Jeremiah was located safe and unharmed,” wrote the sheriff’s office.

[ORIGINAL STORY] The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating Jeremiah Donnell Byas, 16, of St. Helena Island, who has been reported as a runaway.

The sheriff’s office says family members reported Jeremiah missing on January 21, after not seeing him since Monday, January 19, at their St. Helena Island home.

Jeremiah is described as 5’7” tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds.

Anyone with information on Jeremiah’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.