Thomas Paul Palmer, 39, of Lightning Road in Bonneau, faces multiple felony charges following a high-speed chase in Berkeley County on January 11, 2026.
Incident Summary
A routine traffic stop on North Highway 52 near Horne Street for a suspended license plate escalated when Palmer fled in his white 2007 Chevrolet Colorado pickup. The pursuit spanned Epson Plantation Drive, Rembert C. Dennis Boulevard, Old Highway 52, and Shannondrive Drive, hitting 78 mph, until stop sticks halted the vehicle in Shannonwood.
Seizures and Charges
Deputies found 12.80 grams of methamphetamine, 0.40 grams of cocaine, 2.70 grams of fentanyl-laced marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a torch lighter, and a loaded 12-gauge shotgun with a drum magazine and residue-covered digital scale on Palmer and in the truck. Charges include failure to stop for blue lights, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, methamphetamine trafficking (10-28 grams), cocaine manufacturing/possession, and firearm possession by a violent felon.
Status and Context
Palmer is detained at Hill-Finklea Detention Center awaiting bond; investigation continues per Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis. This fits Lowcountry patterns of drug/firearm pursuits, like recent Charleston-area cases you’ve shared interest in for public safety monitoring.
