A high-speed chase through Charleston County ended in a violent crash on Friday evening. It left two children injured, and a Charleston woman was charged with driving a stolen car. She is now facing multiple criminal charges. Deputies say the driver, 29-year-old Denira Lashea Cale, refused to stop when officers attempted to pull her over in a stolen vehicle. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, as the safety of young children was recklessly put at risk during the pursuit.
The Incident: Chase Through Charleston County
According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first spotted the stolen SUV, a black Nissan Kicks reported out of Richland County, around 4 p.m. near Bees Ferry Road and Bluewater Way. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated instead of complying.
The pursuit lasted less than a minute but reached speeds of more than 50 mph. Deputies say the chase came to an abrupt end. The suspect collided with another vehicle, causing significant damage and leaving multiple people shaken.
Children Inside the Vehicle
Perhaps the most shocking detail revealed by investigators is that two children, ages 9 and 4, were inside the stolen SUV during the chase. Emergency Medical Services transported both children to a nearby hospital. There, they received treatment for crash-related injuries. Their current conditions have not been publicly released, but deputies confirmed that the children were injured as a result of the collision.
Law enforcement officials emphasized how dangerous the situation was not only for the children in the car but also for other drivers on Charleston roads. They were placed at risk by the reckless pursuit.
Charges Against Denira Lashea Cale
Charleston County jail records show that Denira Lashea Cale, 29, faces multiple criminal charges, including:
- Child Endangerment
- Driving Under Suspension
- Failure to Stop for Blue Lights
- Simple Possession of Marijuana
A judge has set her bail at a total of $76,262.50. As of Monday afternoon, she remained in custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Court documents indicate that deputies also discovered her driver’s license had been previously suspended. Additionally, they detected a strong odor of marijuana inside the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed a small plastic bag in Cale’s pocket containing approximately 4 grams of marijuana, which tested positive during a field test.
Community Reaction and Concerns
The news has left Charleston residents deeply concerned about the safety of children and the increasing reports of reckless driving. Many parents expressed anger. Two young children were placed in such a dangerous situation. This highlights the importance of stronger measures to protect vulnerable minors from being exposed to life-threatening risks.
Community members are also questioning how a stolen car was able to make it into Charleston County. They wonder why individuals continue to endanger lives by refusing lawful traffic stops.
Law Enforcement’s Perspective
Charleston County deputies have stressed that their primary concern during such incidents is always public safety. Although high-speed pursuits carry risks, officers are often forced to make split-second decisions when drivers refuse to comply with traffic stops. In this case, deputies said the pursuit was short, but the suspect’s reckless driving quickly escalated the danger.
Officials also pointed out that the presence of children in the stolen SUV made the situation particularly alarming. “When drivers choose to flee, they not only endanger themselves but everyone around them including innocent passengers,” one deputy noted.
Broader Issue of High-Speed Chases in South Carolina
This latest crash adds to a growing list of South Carolina high-speed chases that have ended in tragedy or serious injury. Law enforcement agencies across the state have been reviewing pursuit policies. They aim to strike a balance between apprehending suspects and protecting the public.
According to national data, high-speed chases contribute to hundreds of fatalities each year. Many victims are uninvolved bystanders or passengers. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated whether this case will lead to a review of local pursuit policies, but it has reignited public debate.
Legal Implications of Child Endangerment
Among the charges Cale faces, child endangerment is one of the most serious. In South Carolina, this offense can result in significant penalties, including jail time, fines, and long-term restrictions on parental rights. Prosecutors will likely argue that knowingly placing a 9-year-old and a 4-year-old in harm’s way during a police chase demonstrates clear negligence. It shows disregard for their safety.
Her additional charges driving under suspension, failing to stop for blue lights, and possession of marijuana further paint a troubling picture of repeated law-breaking behavior.
Public Call for Accountability
Many Charleston residents are now calling for swift accountability in this case. This is especially considering the risk posed to the children and the broader community. Social media posts from locals have expressed outrage. Some are demanding tougher penalties for drivers who refuse lawful traffic stops.
For parents in Charleston, this story is especially disturbing. It highlights not only the dangers of reckless driving but also the vulnerability of children who have no control over the decisions of the adults responsible for their safety.
