COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Richland County man is now in custody after leading law enforcement on a high-speed speed chase down Interstate 77 South through Columbia, South Carolina, ultimately crashing near the intersection of South Beltline Boulevard and Rosewood Drive during an I-77 high-speed chase.
Police Officer Attempts Traffic Stop on Interstate 77 in South Carolina
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, a routine patrol on Interstate 77 South turned into a dangerous I-77 high-speed chase when Sinclair McDonald Jr., the driver of a black Jeep, fled from a police officer during a traffic stop for speeding in a 60 mph zone. The suspect’s vehicle hit speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, violating South Carolina’s reckless driving laws.
This police officer attempted a standard stop, but the suspect vehicle accelerated aggressively, prompting the Richland County deputy to pursue. The speed chase moved from Interstate 77 into densely populated areas of Columbia, South Carolina, putting pedestrians and motorists at risk.
Speed Chase Through Richland County: Public Safety in South Carolina at Risk
During the I-77 high-speed chase, McDonald allegedly ran multiple red lights and ignored stop signs, showing “a complete disregard for public safety,” said a Richland County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson. High-speed pursuits, especially on Interstate 77 South, continue to be a major safety concern in South Carolina, raising legal and ethical questions for every police officer involved.
The speed chase ended with the suspect vehicle crashing near South Beltline Boulevard, not far from other high-traffic zones in Richland County. Authorities confirmed that while the crash caused property damage, minor injuries were reported and no fatalities occurred.
Legal Consequences in South Carolina for Speed Chases and Evading Police
Under South Carolina law, drivers who flee from law enforcement face severe penalties. Charges may include:
- Failure to stop for blue lights
- Reckless driving
- Endangering the public
- Property damage
- Criminal charges for injuries or fatalities
- License suspension
- Potential imprisonment
Each police officer in South Carolina, especially those in Richland County, must weigh public safety risks before engaging in high-speed pursuits, particularly on interstates like Interstate 77, highlighted by the I-77 high-speed chase.
Community Concerns in Columbia, South Carolina and Richland County
Columbia residents, especially those commuting near Interstate 77, South Beltline Boulevard, and Rosewood Drive, expressed concern after hearing of another dangerous I-77 high-speed chase. One Columbia, South Carolina resident shared, “I travel that road daily. A crash at 100 mph could be deadly. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department must review their pursuit policies.”
Your Legal Rights After a Crash Involving a Speed Chase in South Carolina
If you’re a victim of a speed chase or reckless driving in South Carolina, especially in places like Richland County, Columbia, or along Interstate 77, like the I-77 high-speed chase, it’s crucial to know your legal rights. A serious car crash caused by a suspect vehicle fleeing a police officer may entitle you to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
Contact Ted Law Firm Your South Carolina Legal Advocate
At Ted Law Firm, we fight for South Carolina residents,including those in Richland County and Columbia,injured by reckless drivers or those harmed during an I-77 high-speed chase involving a police officer. Our team has experience with complex cases across South Carolina, including crashes on Interstate 77, Rosewood Drive, and South Beltline Boulevard. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Orangeburg, Charleston, Columbia and Summerville. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Let Ted Law Firm help you file a successful claim for emotional damages.
Need help now? Contact Ted Law Firm today for a consultation.
