A routine traffic stop turned into a brief but serious incident Wednesday night, as a driver fled from police on the Isle of Palms Connector and was later involved in a collision.
According to the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD), 24-year-old Aaliyah Deja Smith of Elgin, South Carolina, was taken into custody around 9:00 PM on April 17th. The incident began when officers pulled over Smith for speeding on the IOP Connector. However, during the stop, Smith reportedly fled the scene in a white Hyundai sedan.
In line with department protocol, IOPPD officers did not initiate a pursuit but quickly issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert to nearby law enforcement agencies.
Less than an hour later, at approximately 8:48 PM, Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch received a report of a vehicle collision at the intersection of the Isle of Palms Connector and Rifle Range Road. The vehicle involved matched the description of Smith’s Hyundai. Officers arriving at the scene were able to confirm Smith was the driver.
Smith now faces multiple charges, including Driving Under Suspension for DUI and Failure to Stop for Blue Lights and Siren. An additional charge of DUI 2nd Offense is pending the outcome of a blood draw.
The Isle of Palms Police Department continues to investigate the incident and reminds drivers of the importance of compliance and safety on the roads.
