Elgin man caught after manhunt

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An Elgin man wanted for alleged drug trafficking in Charleston and stolen car tags in Richland County is now in custody in Clarendon County after an early morning manhunt Tuesday. Sheriff Randy Garrett said Steven Lee Townsend, 28, of Silver Spoon Lane in Elgin, attempted to pass alleged counterfeit bills about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Alcolu Exxon station. He then fled in a vehicle after deputies were alerted. Deputies chased Townsend to the Pinecrest Acres area of Alcolu, where he fled on foot. "We caught him about 10 a.m.," Garrett said. "He will be charged in Clarendon for failure to stop for a blue light and siren and attempting to pass counterfeit bills." Garrett said his office has also placed holds on Townsend for Charleston and Richland authorities for his alleged infractions in those jurisdictions. "I'm glad we were able to get him with no one being hurt or injured in this chase," said Garrett. He said that Townsend did lie down in a bed of fire ants while trying to evade capture. "He got eaten up, but it's nothing serious," Garrett said.