100 mph police chase leads to deadly crash in Lowcountry, South Carolina

A chase involving law enforcement in Colleton County, South Carolina led to a fiery crash that killed one early Friday morning.

The driver of a 2005 Honda Pilot died after a short chase when the person attempted to elude Colleton County Sheriff’s deputies, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.

The pursuit began around 3 a.m. Friday on US-15, near Burlington Road, two and a half miles south of the town of Walterboro. The chase began after a deputy activated their blue lights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop after the Honda’s “unstable driving” led the deputy to believe the driver was under the influence of alcohol, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office said.

The driver did not stop and the chase soon exceeded 105 miles per hour, “resulting in the driver losing control of the car,” according to deputies.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol, investigating the crash, said that the Honda traveled off the right side of the road, striking a tree and bursting into flames.

The driver, who was the only occupant, was killed. The Colleton County Fire and Rescue pronounced the driver dead at the scene.

Colleton County Coroner said they were waiting on dental records before identifying the deceased. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday at the Medical University of South Carolina.

The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office described the pursuit as “short” and did not indicate that the deputy had made any contact with the Honda before the crash. The State has contacted the Colleton County Sheriff’s Department for further details.

The sheriff’s office stated that it is “standard” for the agency to conduct an internal investigation “to ensure that our deputy’s actions align with CCSO’s policies and practice.”