Two men were airlifted to a hospital on Nov. 12 after a shoplifting call at the Manning Walmart led to a high-speed pursuit and crash, according to the Manning Police Department. Warrants have been signed, but no arrests had been made as of Tuesday.
MPD confirmed the incident began around 9:50 p.m. when a man attempted to leave the store with two televisions before dropping them at the entrance and going back inside. When officers arrived, they confirmed they observed a black vehicle leaving the parking lot, which initiated the pursuit.
MPD confirmed speeds reached 115 mph on Silver Road and increased to about 120 mph near St. John Church Road, continuing toward Summerton Highway before the vehicle turned off the roadway and onto a dirt path in the Silver Road area. Officers confirmed they recorded the vehicle’s tag number.
The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed at approximately 10:06 p.m. on Bud Ross Road near Governor Richardson Road. Police verified no law enforcement vehicles were involved in the crash.
According to the incident report, the injured men were identified as 42-year-old of Dequawn Leon Billups of Manning and 54-year-old Timothy Earl Cooper of Manning. The report listed the incident as involving shoplifting and narcotics violations, and warrants reflect related charges, according to MPD. The report also stated Billups — believed to be the driver — suffered cuts, scrapes and a possible broken arm and was trapped inside the vehicle. The second man was ejected, unconscious but breathing, according to the report. Two medical helicopters were requested, and both men were flown for treatment.
The property report stated two 50-inch Vizio televisions and men’s clothing valued at $493 were listed as stolen merchandise connected to the case. Officers also documented approximately 54 grams of suspected cocaine, according to the report.
Loss-prevention personnel told officers the same individuals may have attempted to shoplift at least twice earlier in the day, according to the report.
The case remains active and no further details, including charges, were released as of Tuesday.
