Man arrested after traffic stop leads to brief vehicle pursuit, middle school put on secure status

Michael Evans was arrested after a traffic stop led to a brief vehicle pursuit on Friday, says Sheriff Lott. (Richland County Sheriff’s Department)

(Eyewitness video of the incident near Dent Middle School. Courtesy: Kee Harold, Facebook)

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A man has been arrested after a traffic stop led to a brief vehicle pursuit on Friday, says Sheriff Lott.

According to Sheriff Leon Lott, on Friday, September 5, around 1 p.m., an RCSD deputy saw a vehicle with defective brake lights driving in the area of Middle Street and Roof Street.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop, but the driver who was later identified as Michael Evans failed to stop which initiated a vehicle pursuit.

Investigators say Evans began to drive recklessly, weaving through traffic and disregarding traffic control devices.

The pursuit lasted just under 10 minutes and ended in the 2700 block of Decker Boulevard when deputies were able to disable the vehicle and box him in.

After immobilizing his vehicle, law enforcement say Evans attempted to accelerate and drive through RCSD vehicles to leave. Evans barricaded himself inside of the vehicle.

Deputies began call outs and continued call outs for the remaining duration of the incident, but Evans did not comply.

Subsequently, a lighter in the backseat of his vehicle caught fire, and Evans surrendered to the deputies.

Deputies pulled him from the burning vehicle.

RCSD was later informed that Dent Middle School was placed on secure status at the direction of school officials.

The sheriff’s department says one deputy was injured during the chase and taken to a local hospital. The deputy is expected to recover.

Additionally, Evans was taken to a local hospital for treatment too.

Law enforcement say once Evans is released from the hospital, he will be booked at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

No additional injuries or property damage was reported.