Rock Hill: Two dead after driver of stolen car fails to stop for blue lights on roadway

Authorities in Rock Hill, South Carolina, are investigating a tragic incident that resulted in the death of two individuals after a driver of a stolen vehicle failed to stop for blue lights on a local roadway.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred on Thursday, February 15, at 10:45 PM when Rock Hill Police officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a Dodge Challenger for defective lights. The vehicle was turning left onto Harper Gault Road from Saluda Road when officers signaled for it to stop.

According to investigators, instead of complying with the police lights, the driver of the Challenger accelerated the vehicle, showing no intention of stopping. As the pursuit continued, the Challenger ultimately crashed in the wood line near the intersection of Harper Gault Road and Oakdale Road.

Victims Identified

Tragically, the crash resulted in the death of two individuals. One of the victims, identified as 21-year-old Justin Villanueva from Charlotte, NC, was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Tyland Archer from Kannapolis, NC, was taken to Atrium Health in Charlotte following the crash, where he was later pronounced dead by hospital staff.

Vehicle Confirmed Stolen

Rock Hill Police Officers later confirmed that the Dodge Challenger driven by Archer was listed as a stolen vehicle from another jurisdiction. The Rock Hill Police Department and the York County Coroner’s Office are currently investigating the incident, with autopsy and toxicology reports pending.

Investigation Ongoing

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic outcome. The community mourns the loss of the two individuals and awaits further updates from law enforcement officials.