A Lexington Police officer attempted to stop a vehicle on Roberts Street for a headlight being out and an expired license plate when the driver failed to stop for blue lights and continued driving at a high rate of speed.

Due to the police department’s policy, those violations did not allow the LPD officer to pursue and the vehicle continued down Roberts Street. Moments later an officer found the overturned vehicle and saw the driver climb out and run into the woods.

A perimeter was set up, and a Lexington County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team began a track while officers put a drone up to search the area.

The LPD, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the SC Highway Patrol maintained the perimeter while the search continued. The drone found the suspect several times, and when officers approached, he ran deeper into the woods.

After two hours, he was found again by the drone laying down in a wooded area near the road. When officers got to him and he was taken into custody. He was transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the collision and exposure to the cold.

The subject is 17-years-old, a validated gang member, and did not have a driver’s license. It was found later that the vehicle he was driving was stolen.
The following charges will be adjudicated through Lexington County Family Court:

• Failure to Stop for Blue Lights
• Leaving the Scene of a Collision
• Reckless Driving
• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
• Driving Without a License
• Defective Headlight