Charges are still pending against a Nakina man who allegedly stole a Columbus County Sheriff’s Office vehicle and led a high-speed chase into South Carolina June 26.
Michael Terrill Hemingway, 29, is still in the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County. He faces charges in South Carolina of driving under the influence, littering, having an open container in a vehicle, shoplifting, and possession of a stolen vehicle worth more than $5,000. He was also wanted as a fugitive in North Carolina. Additional charges are pending here after he is extradited. His home address was listed as 790 Clarendon Chadbourn Road, and Hemigway reportedly had an address on Happy Home Church Road as well.
Hemingway allegedly stole the Dodge Durango patrol vehicle from a deputy who was responding to a domestic dispute on Happy Home Road in Nakina, Sheriff W.R. “Bill” Rogers said. Most patrol vehicles have doors that lock automatically, Rogers said. The Durango’s doors did not lock.
“He just got in it and took off,” Rogers said.
The Durango then crossed the South Carolina line at a high rate of speed. Hemingway used the radio in the truck to taunt officers who were chasing him, multiple witnesses said.
Rogers said officials used the vehicle’s GPS system to pinpoint Hemingway’s location. He eventually wrecked the vehicle near Green Sea and was taken into custody without incident.
“This was extremely dangerous because an innocent family going to the beach could easily have been hit by the suspect,” Rogers said. “We were prepared to do what we had to do stop him “
Court records show Hemingway was indicted for grand larceny by the grand jury in April, and a warrant issued for his arrest.
No officers or other motorists were injured in the wreck. Hemingway sustained only very minor injuries.
The Durango was demolished. J.D. Power and Associates says Dodge Durango pursuit models are generally valued between $45,000 and $60,000, depending on options. The SUVs are designed for ease of handling at high speeds, according to Dodge.
Copyright 2026 Columbuscountynews.com. All Rights Reserved.
