Men Charged After Allegedly Dragging Newberry Deputy During Chase
NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – Newberry County deputies arrested two men after allegedly dragging a deputy and leading law enforcement on a chase last week.
Just before 1 a.m. on January 4, authorities say deputies were conducting a traffic safety checkpoint on Whitener Road near Wilson Road when Adonis Martel Johnson and LeTravis Ouzts approached in a light colored vehicle.
As the officer was speaking with the suspects, the driver took off with the deputy still in the window of the vehicle.
Authorities say the deputy was dragged for a short distance, but was not seriously injured and is recovering at home.
The suspect’s vehicle crashed into an embankment at the intersection of Kendall Road and Gray Street., deputies say.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies say they found 48 grams of marijuana and eight grams of cocaine.
Two handguns were also located near the suspects after the guns fell from the holsters on their waistband during the collision, deputies say.
According to authorities Johnson, was on probation at the time and was wearing an ankle monitor when he was arrested.
One of the suspects has been released from the hospital, but the other is still in the hospital for medical treatment.
“These are the life and death situations law enforcement officers are faced with every day,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “We are so blessed and thankful that the deputy was not seriously injured but is a constant reminder of constant danger law enforcement faces.”
Johnson will be charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Johnson will also be charged with a violation of probation.
He will be formally charged when he is released from the hospital.
Ouzts was released from the hospital on January 6 and was charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, failure to stop law enforcement vehicle, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia.
His bond was set at $10,000.
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