MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — A late-night police chase in Berkeley County ended in tragedy when a fleeing suspect slammed into another vehicle, killing one person and leaving another seriously hurt, officials said.
Sheriff Duane Lewis announced Monday that deputies arrested Eric Gerard Parrilla, 35, after he fled from law enforcement in Moncks Corner on Saturday night.
The chaos began just after 10 p.m. when deputies responded to a Walmart following a reported assault involving a gun. Parrilla bolted from the scene in a silver Mercedes SUV, sparking a pursuit that tore through North Highway 52 before ending in a violent crash with an Infiniti SUV at Highway 6 and North Live Oak Drive.
Parrilla ditched the wreck and ran but was caught a short distance away, deputies said. Inside his vehicle, investigators found more than a pound of marijuana, two firearms, and three cellphones.
One person in the Infiniti was pronounced dead at the scene, while another suffered serious injuries. The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s MAIT Team is leading the collision investigation.
“This dangerous act could have been avoided if the suspect pulled over and faced the consequences of his actions,” Lewis said. “Our deputies responded without delay to the scene to assist our municipal partner. Together, we acted quickly to apprehend a dangerous individual who was a threat to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family as they face this tragic loss.”
Parrilla is facing a slew of charges, including felony DUI resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, felon in possession of a firearm, and failure to stop for blue lights resulting in great bodily injury. He also faces an assault and battery charge from Moncks Corner Police.
