Police chase ends in fatal wreck

LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A police chase ended Sunday morning with one person taken to the hospital and another dead, according to the officials.

According to the state Highway Patrol, at around 1:25 a.m. Sunday, the driver of a 2020 Chevrolet sedan was traveling south on South Harper Street extension near Burnt Mill Creek Road when they went off the left side of the road and struck a tree, causing the car to roll several times.

The driver, Ealwinne Richard, 30, died at the scene, and a passenger was taken by helicopter to the hospital for severe injuries. Their condition is not known at this time.

According to highway patrol, the wreck happened while the driver was attempting to run from law enforcement.

According to Laurens Police Department, the chase began when officers said they believed the driver of the vehicle was intoxicated, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

Police said while they were chasing the car, the driver and passenger threw drugs and a gun out of the car, which were later recovered by police.

“This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving,” said Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland in a statement. “Our officers acted swiftly to protect the public, and we extend our thoughts to those affected. We will continue to work closely with state authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

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