North Charleston Police have arrested 18-year-old Jontai Jones after he led officers on a high-speed chase, which ended with a collision and the recovery of a loaded gun. Jones faces multiple charges, including failure to stop for blue lights, resisting arrest, reckless driving, and several violations related to his vehicle and driving status.
High-Speed Pursuit and Violations
The incident began on August 30, just before 5 p.m., when an officer observed a vehicle speeding down Rivers Avenue. The vehicle, driven by Jones, had several visible violations, including illegal window tinting, a missing front headlight, and a damaged front fender dragging on the road. When the officer attempted to pull the car over, Jones fled, reaching speeds up to 100 mph.
The chase continued through various neighborhoods before Jones collided with another vehicle on the I-26 exit ramp toward West Montague Avenue. Despite the crash, he continued driving until police used spike strips on Dorchester Road at Transfer Street to disable the vehicle.
Arrest and Additional Charges
After abandoning the vehicle in a nearby parking lot, Jones discarded a loaded handgun outside a gas station. He was arrested in a field near Dorchester Road and Interstate 26. Jones was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center, where he remained in custody as of Monday morning.
In addition to the primary charges, Jones faces additional violations related to operating a nonregistered and unsafe vehicle, as well as driving with an improper permit and no insurance. His bond was set at $20,000.
