A 29-year-old Johns Island man who led law enforcement officers from Sumter and Clarendon County on a high-speed chase early Tuesday afternoon was arrested in Clarendon County after Sumter deputies deployed stop sticks to flatten the suspect's tires.
According to a report from the Sumter Sheriff's Office, James Edward Owens was charged with failure to stop for blue light; violation of South Carolina gun law; resisting arrest; driving under suspension, second offense; possession of marijuana, second offense; and possession of a controlled substance. He is being held at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center pending his next court hearing, which is scheduled for March 11. No bond was set.
Reports indicate that a Sumter deputy spotted Owens change lanes on Interstate 95 in a 2015 Ford, shortly after the suspect crossed the fog line. The officer initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle pulled into the median and drove off at a high rate of speed, allegedly ignoring blue lights and sirens.
The deputy reported speeds of up to 120 mph while the chase headed west on U.S. 378. Owens allegedly made a U-turn in Turbevile town limits and headed back toward Sumter County at speeds in excess of 100 mph, reports state. He also swerved between two dump trucks "nearly causing a collision."
Clarendon County Deputy Brandon Braxton and Turbeville Police Department Lt. Grant Cannon joined the chase, which ended near One Mile Road after deputies deployed stop sticks at Puddin Swamp Road and U.S. 378.
After the suspect exited the vehicle, officers observed him pick up a black handgun from the trunk and turn back to look at them.
"They ordered Owens to drop the gun and he did," reports state. "Owens then began to run and Cannon deployed his taser. Owens continued to resist while on the ground. After a brief struggle, we were able to handcuff him."
Deputies reported a "strong odor of marijuana coming from (Owens') vehicle."
Dispatch confirmed his license was suspended, and the gun was a Glock Model 19 loaded with 10 rounds, and had a tracer-style laser sight mounted to it.
During a search, deputies found a clear bag containing about 4 grams of marijuana in between the driver's seat and the center console.
"A blunt of marijuana in a cigar wrapper was located in the center console cup holder," reports state. Deputies also found a light green pill, suspected to be Oxycodone, a Schedule-II controlled substance.
Reports indicate that the vehicle had minor damage to its front end, and the front passenger's side tire was shredded.
A records check found that Owens was wanted in Maryland for possession with intent to distribute heroin. He was also found to have prior convictions that prevent him from carrying a handgun.
