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Police have released more details about a chase on Interstate 20 that resulted in the death of a Beech Island man. The incident occurred on July 26 and caused the road to be closed for the rest of the evening. The man, identified as Robert Johnson, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The chase began when a deputy attempted to make a traffic stop and Johnson refused to pull over. Spike strips were used to stop Johnson, but he continued to drive at high speeds. Eventually, police used a PIT maneuver to stop Johnson’s vehicle. Bianca Moorman, Aiken Standard, S.C. reported
Police Release Details of Interstate 20 Chase Resulting in Fatality
Aug. 1—Authorities have provided additional information regarding a high-speed chase that occurred last week on Interstate 20, resulting in a fatality.
The incident, which took place on July 26, involved a Beech Island man identified as 43-year-old Robert Johnson. As a result of the pursuit, the road remained closed for the remainder of the evening.
According to an incident report from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy on patrol near mile marker 27 in the westbound lane observed a white four-door Cadillac with heavily tinted windows. The report stated that the deputy was unable to see the occupants or the vehicle’s license plate.
When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop due to an obstructed traffic sticker, Johnson failed to pull over. This prompted the initiation of a vehicle pursuit. Two additional deputies positioned near exit 22 successfully deployed spike strips, causing Johnson to strike one with his left front wheel before continuing at an accelerated speed.
During the chase, Johnson reached speeds exceeding 130 mph and threw unidentified items out of the car window. Eventually, at mile marker 12, he slowed down and pulled into the emergency lane. However, when instructed by the deputy to remain in the vehicle, Johnson pointed a handgun at the officer and fired a single shot before fleeing again.
Following a PIT maneuver by the police, Johnson’s vehicle came to a halt at a guardrail. The suspect refused to exit the car, leading officers to call for the assistance of a SWAT team. Upon approaching the vehicle, it was discovered that Johnson had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was deceased.
Authorities determined that the items discarded by Johnson were illegal narcotics. The vehicle was subsequently taken to the sheriff’s office for evidence preservation.
No law enforcement officers were harmed during the incident, and none discharged their firearms.
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