A Charleston County woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed chase in a stolen SUV — all while two young children were in the vehicle. The incident, which ended in a crash and hospital visits for the children, has raised serious concerns about reckless behavior and child safety.
Woman Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Stolen SUV With Children Inside
Denira Lashea Cale, 29, has been charged with child endangerment, failure to stop for blue lights, driving under suspension, and simple possession of marijuana, according to Charleston County jail records. Her total bond has been set at $76,262.50.
The case unfolded around 4 p.m. on Friday when Charleston County deputies attempted to stop a black Nissan Kicks that had been reported stolen out of Richland County.
Brief Chase Ends in Crash and Injuries
Deputies spotted the stolen SUV near Bees Ferry Road and Bluewater Way. When they tried to initiate a stop, the driver — later identified as Cale — sped off, reportedly reaching speeds of over 50 mph.
The chase lasted less than a minute before Cale crashed into another vehicle, bringing the pursuit to an abrupt and dangerous end.
Inside the stolen car were two young children — a 9-year-old and a 4-year-old. Both suffered injuries in the crash and were transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment.
Driving Without a License, Drugs Found
After the crash, deputies discovered that Cale’s driver’s license had been suspended. They also reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle.
Upon searching Cale, they found a green plastic bag containing about 4 grams of marijuana in her front pants pocket. The substance field-tested positive for marijuana at the scene.
Charges and Jail Status
Here are the charges Cale currently faces:
Child Endangerment (2 counts)
Failure to Stop for Blue Lights
Driving Under Suspension
Simple Possession of Marijuana
As of Monday afternoon, she remains in custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Case Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Denira Lashea Cale |
| Age | 29 |
| Incident Date | Friday, Sept. 13, 2025 |
| Location | Bees Ferry Rd & Bluewater Way, Charleston County, SC |
| Vehicle | Black Nissan Kicks (stolen from Richland County) |
| Children Involved | 9-year-old, 4-year-old |
| Injuries | Both children treated at hospital |
| Charges | Child endangerment, failure to stop, driving under suspension, marijuana possession |
| Bond | $76,262.50 |
| Jail Status | In custody at Al Cannon Detention Center |
Serious Consequences for Risking Children’s Lives
This case stands out not only because of the stolen vehicle and high-speed pursuit, but because of the incredible risk posed to two young children who had no say in the situation. The fact that the driver was unlicensed, under the influence of marijuana, and allegedly evading law enforcement only adds to the severity.
Deputies acted quickly to end the pursuit and provide medical assistance to the children, whose conditions have not been publicly disclosed but are being treated at a local hospital.
What began as a stolen car report turned into a dangerous pursuit involving two injured children and a driver with a suspended license and drugs on her. The charges against Denira Lashea Cale reflect the serious nature of the incident, especially the child endangerment aspect. As the case moves through the courts, the safety of the children remains the top concern — and it serves as a clear example of how reckless choices can lead to life-altering consequences.
