Midlands area officer on leave after pursuit injures four kids

A South Carolina Officer has been placed on leave after a pursuit injured 4 children. Back in February The Forest Acres Police Department in Richland County responded to a shoplifting incident.

Officials say Officers attempted a traffic stop in a parking lot after the suspect, 37-year-old Ashley Baker, was seen getting into an SUV.  Baker took off and a short chase ensued before she crashed, overturning the SUV.  Four children, ages 2-13,  were inside the vehicle with Baker. She was charged with several felonies, including four counts of child endangerment.

All were taken to the hospital for treatment. A day after the incident on February 14th, Sgt. David Pickett, was placed on leave as Forest Acres PD policy  is not to engage in pursuits for non-violent property crimes.

The Highway Patrol's accident investigation is still ongoing, and no final disciplinary measures will be determined until that investigation is complete.