Suspects identified after chase leads to deadly shootout

Richland Co., S.C. (WOLO)– Friday afternoon Sheriff Leon Lott provided further details in a traffic stop that lead to a shootout between deputies and suspects near the intersection of Leesburg Rd. and Harmon Rd.

Investigators say just after 1pm Wednesday, deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on Lorenzo Davis Rd. on a Silver Chevy Sedan with a suspended tag.

Deputies say the driver refused to stop and a chase ensued until the suspect ultimately wrecked at Harmon and Leesburg and everyone in the car ran.

Sheriff Lott says K9 deputies responded and began a search for the suspects.

Investigators say while searching the suspects’ car they found a rifle, ammo, drugs, and a modified pistol.

Lott says deputies tracked the suspects through the woods.

When they encountered one suspect, later identified as Ja’Sean Fitz, 20, deputies say he began firing at them.

Deputies returned fire, striking and killing Fritz.

Sheriff Lott says Fritz was wanted in Orangeburg for Murder.

No deputies were injured.

Three additional suspects; Nathaniel Burkett, 19, Tre’Shawn Zeigler, 19, and Ka’Saun Geathers, 19, were all located and arrested without incident.

“Our deputies did what they were trained to do,” says Sheriff Lott, “they returned fire, and stayed on the ground until all three remaining suspects were found and taken into custody. I’m proud of the work our deputies did yesterday.”