A Memorial Day pursuit started as a call for help as Greenwood County dispatch received a 911 call reporting that a possible overdose was occurring at Fall River Lake. While en route to the lake, another 911 call was received stating the victim was now driving to the hospital. According to the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch urged the driver to stop multiple times; however, the driver continued.
Several 911 calls followed the report, noting a vehicle driving aggressively and in the wrong lane traveling westbound on US 400 Highway.
A two car accident was reported shortly after the multiple 911 calls, near N Road. A deputy made contact with one of the drivers, Sergio Vazquez, who stated the driver of the truck that hit him drove off westbound. While other deputies were en route to the accident, the first deputy continued to try and locate the erratic driver.
The vehicle was located a couple miles west of the accident; however, despite attempts by the deputy to pull over the vehicle, the driver failed to yield to emergency personnel and a pursuit began with lights and sirens.
It was shared by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office that the driver continued driving in an unsafe and dangerous manner into Butler County. Greenwood County alerted Butler County dispatch of the situation; but, stopped pursing the vehicle at the county line.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office stated that several reports came in noting a truck was being driven into oncoming traffic at a high rate of speed in a construction zone, near Beaumont. Butler County Deputies tried to utilize tire deflation devices; however, the driver swerved to avoid them. The pursuit ended in the Augusta city limits after the vehicle struck a patrol vehicle.
The driver, Allan Firman III, was charged with Battery on LEO, bodily harm to county or city officer on duty; Flee or attempt to elude, drive wrong way into opposing lane/intersection; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant x2; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Transporting an open container; and Reckless driving, 1st conviction. He is being held in Butler County on a $250,000 cash or surety bond.
Greenwood County charges are expected to be filed at a later date.
Firman is expected to appear in Butler County Court on July 29, at 2:30 p.m. for a preliminary hearing. (Courtesy photos)
