Sumter deputies search for teen accused of leading them on chase with guns in car
Image: Sumter Co. Sheriff’s Office
Image: Sumter Co. Sheriff's Office
Sumter Co., SC (WOLO) — The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office says they are searching for a 17 year old accused of leading deputies on a chase after they say he tried to avoid a safety checkpoint.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and the Sumter Police Department were conducting a joint checkpoint Thursday, May 8 around 9:30pm when they say deputies saw a car turn around to avoid the checkpoint and speed away from the area. Deputies started to chase the driver in one of their patrol cars but they say the driver did not stop.
Instead, authorities say they continued driving before stopping at a home along Artesian Drive where they say the teenager jumped out of the car and started to run. Officials report hearing a gunshot and saw two AR-style rifles being thrown from the driver’s side door when a second suspect still inside of the car got out. That passenger was identified as a second teenager who deputies say admitted they accidentally fired the gun while trying to throw them out of the car. Deputies say they also located a bag containing what they believe was marijuana in the teens possession. That teenager was released to a family member and petitioned to appear in family court on weapons and drug related charges.
Sumter deputies say the other teenager remains on the loose tonight and is being sought by authorities.
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis released a statement saying,
“Our vehicle safety checkpoints, and increased road presence are part of a proactive strategy to reduce gun violence,” said Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis. “In this case, we were able to intercept two individuals carrying AR-style rifles. It’s possible this stop prevented another shooting.”
If you happen to have any information that can help officials in their ongoing investigation you are urged to call the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office 803-436-2000 or submit tips anonymously by going to p3tips.com
