As we have been reporting today, a Newberry County Sheriff’s Office deputy initiated a traffic stop on CR Koon Highway on Saturday, just outside of Prosperity, after observing a pickup truck traveling in excess of 70 miles per hour.

When the deputy attempted to conduct the stop, the driver refused to comply and accelerated, entering the Town of Prosperity at a high rate of speed—more than twice the posted speed limit—creating a significant danger to the public.

During the pursuit, near Candy Kitchen Road, the driver discarded a bag containing a powdery substance from the vehicle. The pursuit continued onto SC Highway 773 and then onto Interstate 26, where speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department joined the pursuit and assumed primary control just past Chapin. The suspect exited Interstate 26 at Harbison Boulevard and traveled back toward Newberry County. Just prior to the Peak exit, the driver lost control and struck the median dividing wall, bringing the vehicle to a stop.

As deputies approached, the suspect appeared to attempt to arm himself. In response, a K-9 unit from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department was deployed, and the suspect was safely taken into custody.
The driver was identified as Jose Luis Salas, Jr., 26, of Newberry.

He has been charged with:
• Speeding
• Failure to Stop for a Law Enforcement Officer
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
• Reckless Driving

Salas was transported to the Newberry County Detention Center, where he is being held on Newberry County charges. Additional detainers have been placed by Richland County authorities.

Sheriff Lee Foster stated, “This reckless behavior put countless lives at risk across multiple jurisdictions. I am thankful for the coordinated efforts of our deputies and our partners in Richland County to bring this situation to a safe conclusion.”