S.C. High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Fatal Collision

Oct. 3, 2013

A trooper attempted a traffic stop Tuesday in Darlington County when the driver refused to stop.

HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Darlington County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a high-speed chase involving law enforcement that ended in a fatal collision at about 11 p.m. Tuesday near Hartsville.

South Carolina Highway Patrol's Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins said a trooper attempted a traffic stop in Darlington County, and the driver refused to stop. The driver sped away with officers in pursuit and the chase ended near Hartsville.

Capt. Andy Locklair with the Darlington County Sheriff's Office said the wreck happened at highways S.C. 151 and U.S. 15, and involved a man driving a minivan and a Hartsville Police Department car. As a result of the wreck, Leroy Roberson, 51, of Lynchburg died.

According to City of Hartsville Public Information Officer Russell Cox, Hartsville Police were notified by the 911 center that the South Carolina Highway Patrol was in pursuit of a vehicle, and the pursuit was entering the City of Hartsville. When appropriate, stated Cox, the department responds to incidents after notification by other law enforcement agencies.

Cox said that when the vehicle involved in the chase collided with the responding police cruiser at the intersection, the officer was injured, but was released from hospitalization this morning.

Cox said no further information was available at this time.

Locklair and Darlington County Coroner J Todd Hardee said the collision remains under investigation.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service