A man remains in jail after authorities say he stole a deputy’s patrol vehicle and led law enforcement on a dangerous multi-county chase through the Upstate late Saturday night. The incident involved multiple agencies, high speeds on Interstate 26, and injuries to two deputies a type of high-risk pursuit car accident lawyers often examine when police chases result in injuries or roadway dangers.
Officials say the chase began during a call related to a mental health episode and escalated into a high-risk pursuit across several counties.
Initial Call at Spartanburg County Gas Station
According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called around 9 p.m. to a QuikTrip on Asheville Highway after receiving a report of a person experiencing a mental health episode.
Investigators said deputies were on scene for approximately 45 minutes. During that time, the individual identified as 34 year old William Waters was sitting in a vehicle with a family member while deputies awaited further steps.
Patrol Car Taken During the Call
Officials said that while deputies remained nearby, Waters exited the vehicle he had been sitting in and gained access to a deputy’s patrol car.
According to law enforcement, Waters drove away in the patrol vehicle before deputies could stop him. During the initial moments of the incident, one deputy was struck by the driver’s door and briefly dragged along the roadway.
Authorities stated the deputy was not seriously injured.
Pursuit Through Multiple Counties
Deputies attempted to stop the stolen patrol car, but Waters refused to pull over. Officials said they briefly lost sight of the vehicle before realizing a work phone left inside the patrol car allowed them to track its location.
Waters merged onto Interstate 26, leading deputies through Spartanburg, Laurens and Newberry counties. During the chase, law enforcement reported speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.
The pursuit created hazardous conditions for officers and other drivers on the roadway.
Deputy Injured During the Chase
During the pursuit, another deputy was injured in a crash near mile marker 53 on Interstate 26. The deputy was airlifted to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center as a precaution.
Investigators later stated the deputy is expected to make a full recovery.
Chase Ends and Suspect Taken Into Custody
Authorities said the chase came to an end near mile marker 60 on Interstate 26 after a tire on the patrol vehicle blew out.
Waters stopped the vehicle and surrendered without further incident. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation before being transported to the Spartanburg County Detention Center.
Charges Filed and Investigation Ongoing
Court records indicate Waters has been charged with grand larceny, blue light violations and driving under the influence.
Officials with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office stated they are reviewing the events surrounding the chase to determine whether procedural or system changes are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The crash involving the injured deputy is being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Risks of High Speed Chases
High speed pursuits pose serious risks to law enforcement officers, suspects and the public. Incidents involving stolen emergency vehicles add additional danger due to the potential for confusion among other drivers.
Agencies continue to balance public safety concerns with enforcement needs during rapidly evolving situations.
Community Impact
Events like this can disrupt traffic, endanger lives and place significant strain on emergency resources. The involvement of multiple counties highlights the regional impact such incidents can have.
Officials emphasized the importance of ongoing review and accountability following major law enforcement incidents.
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