Florence County Sheriff’s Office arrested 44-year-old Mitchell Shane Atkinson of Effingham on January 14, 2026, following a high-speed chase across multiple counties sparked by a traffic stop for an unsecured trailer lacking taillights on North Cashua Drive. Deputies reported Atkinson allegedly threw drugs from the vehicle during the pursuit into Darlington and Marlboro Counties, where a PIT maneuver ended it; he resisted exit, leading to forced removal along with passenger Travis Mills.
Charges Faced
Atkinson faces charges including methamphetamine possession, heroin/fentanyl distribution (from prior October 2024 undercover sales), failure to stop for blue lights, resisting arrest, reckless driving, driving under suspension, habitual offender violation, and possession of burglary tools like grinders and screwdrivers found in the vehicle.
Detention Status
Atkinson remains held at Florence County Detention Center on a $9,000 bond pending a hearing; Mills was previously released on similar bond.
