Rock Hill Police: Two People Killed In Wreck After Driver In Stolen Vehicle Took Off From Traffic Stop
Rock Hill, S.C. – February 16, 2024
Police say two people were killed in an accident after the driver took off from officers during a traffic stop in Rock Hill. Authorities say a Rock Hill Police officer initiated a traffic stop on a Dodge Challenger for defective lights around 10:45pm on Thursday, February 15th as the vehicle turned left onto Harper Gault Road from Saluda Road. The driver of the Challenger is accused of accelerating the vehicle and showed no intention of stopping, according to a news release.
The officer activated their siren and blue lights but police say the driver of the Challenger continued to accelerate the vehicle. The officer cut off all emergency equipment and began slowing down, not engaging in a pursuit of the vehicle, according to a news release.
Authorities say as the officer came to the intersection of Harper Gault Road and Oakdale Road, the Challenger was found wrecked in the wood line. The driver of the vehicle was entrapped, and the passenger was located nearby after being ejected from the vehicle, according to a news release.
Due to the injuries from the wreck, the passenger was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver was flown to Atrium where he was pronounced deceased. The South Carolina Highway Patrol Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team was notified to conduct an independent investigation of the wreck. The Rock Hill Police Department Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team responded as well to investigate for internal review.
Through the course of the investigation, police say they discovered the Challenger was listed as stolen from another jurisdiction. Officials have not released the names of the two people killed in the crash.
Investigation and Response
The South Carolina Highway Patrol Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team was called in to conduct an independent investigation of the fatal wreck. Additionally, the Rock Hill Police Department Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team responded to the scene for further investigation and internal review.
Stolen Vehicle
During the investigation, authorities confirmed that the Dodge Challenger involved in the accident was reported as stolen from another jurisdiction. This revelation added another layer to the tragic incident that claimed two lives.
Victims’ Identities Withheld
Officials have chosen not to disclose the identities of the two individuals who lost their lives in the crash pending notification of their families. The community mourns the loss of these two individuals due to the reckless actions of the driver of the stolen vehicle.
Collaborative Investigation
The joint efforts of the South Carolina Highway Patrol Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team and the Rock Hill Police Department Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team underscore the commitment to determining the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash. The collaborative investigation aims to provide answers to the families of the deceased and bring clarity to the events leading up to the tragic outcome.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of two lives in a wreck stemming from a driver evading a traffic stop serves as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. The implications of driving a stolen vehicle and attempting to flee law enforcement have once again resulted in devastating consequences. As the investigation continues, our hearts go out to the families of the victims as they grapple with this sudden and heartbreaking loss.