Man leads Jasper Co. police on ‘erratic’ chase in U-haul truck filled with used tires
A Georgia man driving a 26-foot U-haul truck led police on an “erratic” chase on I-95, which ended with deputies using road spikes to deflate three of the truck’s tires, according to authorities.
The pursuit began Friday night about 11 p.m., when a U-haul truck was driving nearly 20 mph above the posted speed limit in Ridgeland and the driver ignored a traffic stop attempt by a deputy, according to a report from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
“The vehicle then continued to drive very erratically all over the roadway,” going from I-95 and then heading south on Coosaw Scenic Drive toward Okatie, according to the report. The truck “almost flipped several times due to the driver swerving so much,” the report said.
Police set up two sets of road spikes along S.C. 462, which deflated one front tire and both rear tires, it said.
The driver still attempted to elude law enforcement with three deflated tires, according to the report, reaching the intersection with Okatie Highway. “The vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign and went directly across S. Okatie Hwy and collided with the wood line.”
Police said they removed the man “using the amount of force necessary,” and they found the truck filled with used tires.
Sheriff deputies charged him with speeding and failure to stop for blue lights. The man was also charged with possession of methamphetamine after a deputy found 1.7 grams of the substance in his wallet, according to the report.
All the charges are misdemeanors. The Island Packet does not name those charged with misdemeanors unless they are in a position of authority or public trust.
Conviction of possession of methamphetamine can result in up to three years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both, according to S.C. law.
