A 13-year-old has been charged after leading deputies on a vehicle pursuit in a stolen car in Richland County, South Carolina. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, just before 8 p.m. when deputies spotted a stolen vehicle on Broad River Road.
The Pursuit
Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle at the intersection of Broad River Road and I-20, but the driver, a 13-year-old, fled the scene. The pursuit ended when the teen drove off the road into a wooded area behind Forest Heights Elementary School.
The 13-year-old attempted to flee on foot but became pinned between trees and was unable to escape. Deputies were able to remove the teen and a 17-year-old passenger from the vehicle and take them into custody.
Arrest and Charges
No injuries were reported in the incident. The 17-year-old passenger was released at the scene to a family member, while the 13-year-old was taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and petitioned for failure to stop for blue lights and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Sheriff’s Statement
Sheriff Leon Lott expressed concern over the incident, stressing the importance of parents knowing where their children are and making summer plans for them. “This is not the precedent we are setting for Summer,” Lott said, encouraging parents to reach out to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s Youth Services Division for support.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department also offers free summer camps, with information available on their website.
