In a recent incident in Charleston County, South Carolina, deputies arrested 24-year-old Derek Patrick following a high-speed chase that ended in a crash. Patrick, who faces charges of failure to stop for a blue light, was involved in a dangerous pursuit early Wednesday morning.
The High-Speed Pursuit
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies first spotted a silver motorcycle speeding at over 100 miles per hour while turning onto Savannah Highway from Highway 174. The motorcycle was also seen lacking a license plate, prompting deputies to initiate a traffic stop.
As the motorcycle continued to speed through the area, deputies activated their blue lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the rider. Despite the efforts, the suspect refused to pull over, and the chase continued as the motorcycle traveled well above the speed limit of 60 miles per hour.
The Crash and Arrest
The pursuit continued until the weather worsened, with heavy rain making the chase dangerous. Deputies decided to cancel the pursuit once they crossed Highway 165, but within less than a mile, they saw traffic backed up and soon discovered the motorcycle had crashed. Patrick had collided with a vehicle that was stopped in the center median, waiting to turn. As a result, Patrick was thrown from the bike and slid into the sidewalk.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on the scene and transported Patrick to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) for treatment of minor injuries. After receiving medical attention, he was then arrested and transported to the Charleston County Jail.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Patrick is facing charges of failure to stop for a blue light, which is a serious offense in South Carolina. Failing to comply with law enforcement’s attempt to stop a vehicle can lead to legal consequences, including arrest and potential additional charges, depending on the circumstances.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of high-speed pursuits, both for those involved in the chase and for other motorists on the road.
