Two Men Arrested Following Wild Pursuit in Lexington County

Police car lights flashing in the midst of a high-speed chase.

News Summary

Irmo Police recently arrested two men after a high-speed chase sparked by a simple traffic stop escalated dramatically. The incident unfolded after the suspects, failing to comply during a routine check, led officers on a chaotic pursuit down Lake Murray Boulevard, eventually colliding with another vehicle. Both individuals now face multiple charges, including reckless driving and resisting law enforcement. The event has left the community in shock and has prompted an investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Two Men Arrested Following Wild Pursuit in Lexington County!

In a surprising turn of events this past weekend, the Irmo Police Department found itself in the midst of a high-speed chase that ended with two arrests. The incident occurred on Saturday, December 28, 2024, and has left many in the community buzzing with chatter.

It All Started with a Simple Traffic Stop

It all kicked off around 3 p.m. when officers noticed what seemed like a small traffic violation in the 1300 block of Lake Murray Boulevard. A vehicle rolled by with an expired license tag, prompting the police to pull the car over for a routine traffic check. However, things took an unexpected twist when the driver didn’t immediately comply. Instead of stopping, the suspects—identified as 45-year-old Joshua D. Riley from Orangeburg and 39-year-old Daion A. Bowers from Columbia—pulled into the nearby Kroger parking lot but then drove in circles! It’s hard to imagine the confused looks on the faces of the shoppers at the grocery store as their evening errands were disrupted by the ongoing chase.

A Chase Down Lake Murray Boulevard

Once the duo left the Kroger parking lot, officers initiated a pursuit along Lake Murray Boulevard, heading toward Lexington. The situation quickly escalated as the suspects attempted to evade capture by speeding down the crowded streets. Those who happened to be in the area might have caught a glimpse of the commotion as police lights flickered and sirens blared.

But the chase reached its climax when the suspects, making a right turn onto Old Cherokee Road, collided with another vehicle. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported from this dramatic incident, and despite the chaos, the community can breathe a sigh of relief.

Charges Galore for the Two Suspects

After the dust settled, law enforcement got down to business, evaluating the actions of the two men involved. Joshua Riley faced a slew of charges, including expired temporary tags, reckless driving, and a second offense for failing to stop for blue lights. Added to this, he was charged with driving under suspension, operating an uninsured vehicle, possessing an open container, and even simple possession of marijuana. That’s quite the list!

Meanwhile, his accomplice Daion Bowers wasn’t off the hook either. He was charged with interfering with and resisting law enforcement. On top of that, it turns out he was already wanted by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Pardon and Parole Services, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. One could imagine the trouble he had brewed leading up to this event.

A Broader Investigation Underway

As the dust settled on this chaotic day, the South Carolina Highway Patrol stepped in to conduct an investigation into the collision. Their role will be crucial in piecing together the events that unfolded during the chase and providing an official report of what transpired.

While >the community may still be processing the adrenaline-fueled events from the weekend, one thing is clear: actions like these do not go unnoticed! The Irmo Police Department is committed to maintaining safety on the streets, and this weekend was a reminder of just how swiftly a seemingly simple traffic stop can escalate into a full-blown pursuit.

With the situation now in the hands of law enforcement, it’s a good time for everyone to remember to drive safe and respect the law. Here’s hoping for quieter days ahead in Lexington County!