COLUMBIA, SC (WCBD) – Columbia Police have arrested a Clarendon County man who they say killed a University of South Carolina student Friday night after abducting the student in a fake Uber ride. 

Nathaniel Rowland, 25, has been arrested and charged with the murder and kidnapping of USC student, Samantha Josephson, 21. Rowland was arrested following a brief foot chase around 3 a.m. Saturday morning in the area Josephson was last seen. 

Investigators believe that Josephson mistakenly got into Rowland’s car, thinking it was Uber ride share that she ordered. 

Josephson’s body was found by turkey hunters in a wooded area in Clarendon County on Friday afternoon near Black Bottom Road, according to Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook. Chief Holbrook stated during the press conference that Rowland was stopped in his black Chevy Impala two blocks from the Five Points area by a Columbia Police K-9.

When he was asked to step out of his vehicle, authorities stated that he fled on foot but was later apprehended. 

Authorities stated that Samantha Josephson was last seen by her friends between 1:30 a.m. – and 2 a.m. Friday at 715 Harden Street in Columbia. 

Harris Pastides, President of the University of South Carolina confirmed Saturday morning that Josephson died. 

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write these words this morning,” according to the message sent out. “Our prayers are with the family and friends of Samantha Josephson following the devastating news of her death. Times like these leave me searching for words of wisdom and comfort. However, I take solace that the Carolina Family is here to embrace those who are hurting.”

The letter from President Harris Pastides also stated “As you make plans for the weekend, remember the tenets of Stand Up Carolina: look out for one another, be active bystanders,” the president’s statement continues. “Travel in groups and stay together. If you have not already done so, download the RAVE Guardian safety app, set up your profile and learn how to use it. It has been a difficult week for our extended Carolina family. The loss of a student is never easy but this has been a particularly painful few days as we have experienced loss on several of our campuses. As a family, let’s continue to pray for all the families experiencing heartache and grief this week.”