Chase Leads to Drugs, Charges

The suspect in a New Year’s Eve shooting incident is in custody after a 112 mile per hour chase that left a deputy’s car damaged.

Christopher Dentoui Edwards, 31, of 3332 Swamp Fox Hwy., Tabor city, is being held under $50,000 secured bond, the sheriff’s office said in a press release. He was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, reckless driving, two counts of misdemeanor littering, speeding, no operator’s license, possession of a firearm by a felon, alter/steal/destroy evidence, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine and heroin, maintaining a vehicle for drug activities, discharging a firearm in the city limits, damage to government property and resisting.

Deputies were dispatched to Carolina Road after a 911 call about a disturbance involving weapons. A witness saw two men running through his yard, one of whom had an “AR-style rifle” as he chased the other individual.

The witness confronted the gunman, the report said, and asked him to leave, pointing out that there were children inside his home. The suspect left, the report said, and the witness called 911. Shots were heard a few minutes later.

Deputies spotted suspicious vehicles in the area, the report said, and the driver of a gray Pontiac fled the scene at a high rate of speed.

“Deputies initiated a pursuit, during which the suspect vehicle reached speeds of 112 miles per hour and disregarded multiple traffic control devices,” the press release said. “During the pursuit, an object thrown from the vehicle caused damage to a deputy’s patrol car, forcing the deputy to terminate the chase for safety reasons.” The release did not state what was thrown at the deputy’s patrol vehicle.

The chase moved into South Carolina, where Horry County Police took up the pursuit. The Pontiac was later found abandoned on Fair Bluff Highway, the report said. In the car, Vice/Narcotics detectives and HCPD discovered heroin and cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a Smith and Wesson revolver, and evidence tying Edwards to the shooting.

Edwards was located and arrested Jan. 3, the release said.

“This case demonstrates the dedication and coordination of our team in ensuring public safety,” the release said. “The collaboration with Horry County was instrumental in apprehending the suspect and holding him accountable for his actions. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to addressing criminal activity and ensuring the safety of our residents.”