In early May, a 19-year-old man, Shawn Thompson, led local law enforcement on a high-speed chase from Summerville into Goose Creek, which police have described as a “publicity stunt.” Newly released footage from two Summerville Police Department patrol vehicles’ dash cameras shows Thompson being arrested after the chase, during which a Berkeley County sheriff’s deputy appeared to strike him multiple times in the back while he was on the ground.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place when Thompson, driving a black Camaro, sped into the loading bay area of a Walmart in Goose Creek. Officers quickly surrounded the vehicle with guns drawn and removed him from the car. The footage shows Thompson being forced to the ground as officers struggled to handcuff him. During this time, a Berkeley County deputy was seen rearing back his fist and delivering several closed-fist strikes to Thompson’s back. The deputy appeared to deliver at least five blows before stopping.
A police report from the incident describes how one officer held Thompson’s arms still to assist with handcuffing, while a Berkeley County deputy struck Thompson. Another officer mentioned that the arrest was completed with “little force” used by the Summerville Police Department officers. After his arrest, Thompson was taken to Roper Berkeley Hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Berkeley County jail.
Thompson’s Arrest and Charges
Thompson’s arrest followed a high-speed chase after an officer observed him driving with his headlights off and no license plate. Thompson’s reckless driving included speeds exceeding 102 mph and ramming a marked patrol vehicle. He was charged with driving without a license, failure to stop for blue lights, providing false information to police, first-degree assault and battery, and simple possession of marijuana. His total bond was set at $51,312.50.
The police report revealed Thompson was wearing racing gloves and a motorcycle helmet at the time of his arrest. In his possession, officers found three THC vape pens, a katana sword, two cell phones, a tablet, and a GoPro video camera, which were taken as evidence.
Thompson’s Remarks After Arrest
Following his arrest, Thompson was heard on video from inside a Summerville patrol car, where he could be heard shouting to officers and asking to kiss “his wife” and “his girl,” referring to his car. He also complained about being punched in the back during the arrest, stating, “Hey, who punched me? Someone punched me in the back, man. That wasn’t cool.”
As he spoke to officers, Thompson admitted that his actions were intended to create “content.” “Bro, I was just tryna get some content, man,” he said while giving officers seemingly false information about his identity.
Reaction from Police Chief
Summerville Police Chief Douglas Wright condemned Thompson’s actions, calling them reckless. “This suspect endangered the lives of civilians and law enforcement officers as a publicity stunt,” Wright said in a statement following Thompson’s arrest. “His actions were reckless, which is another example of why there needs to be enhancements to the penalties for people who choose to flee from law enforcement in our state.”
The chase and arrest highlight the dangers of reckless driving and fleeing from law enforcement, as well as the potential consequences for those who engage in such behavior for personal gain or “content.” Thompson now faces multiple charges, and the incident raises questions about the penalties for those who endanger the safety of others by fleeing from police.
