Several deputies injured, patrol cars damaged during pursuit

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A man was arrested after a pursuit that left several deputies injured, and patrol cars damaged, according to RCSD.

On Tuesday, July 8, just after 10:45 p.m., an RCSD deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on I-77 N near Farrow Road for speeding at 90 mph in a 60 mph speed zone.

Even though the driver initially stopped, once asked for his identification, the driver left the scene at a high rate of speed, says RCSD.

The pursuit began reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph.

During the pursuit, the driver drove through a construction zone, and attempted to cross over the median into oncoming traffic but was prevented by a cable barrier in the median, according to deputies.

The driver then reversed course and began driving into oncoming traffic while going southbound in the northbound lanes.

At times during the pursuit, deputies say the driver drove head on towards deputies in an effort to crash into them.

The driver who was identified as John McManus is also accused of intentionally collided into the passenger side of a patrol vehicle disabling the vehicle and continuing to flee.

Two additional deputy patrol vehicles collided with one another while attempting to stop McManus.

Deputies say the pursuit ended when a K9 vehicle collided with McManus’ vehicle.

Additionally, deputies say McManus began to leave the scene on foot before surrendering once a K9 officer was deployed.

A female passenger was located in the vehicle and she stated the driver refused to allow her out of the vehicle during the pursuit.

Master Deputy Collins Harper sustained injuries from the intentional collision.

K9 Specialist Sam Ramirez sustained injuries from a collision.

And Cpl. Thomas Young was taken to the hospital by another deputy for injuries from a collision, and released early Wednesday morning.

The driver, John McManus was charged with reckless driving, failure to stop for blue lights and siren, no SC driver’s license, speeding 25 or more MPH over limit, kidnapping, and attempted murder.

A judge amended the attempted murder charge to assault and battery 1st degree at bond court.

McManus received a $101,112.50 surety bond.

RCSD says all deputies are resting and none had serious injuries. No K-9s were injured.