ST. STEPHEN, S.C. — A routine traffic stop in St. Stephen turned into a chase that ended in a cornfield and a man’s arrest on drug charges, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Duane Lewis announced Monday that John Brooks Moody, 35, of Harristown Road, was taken into custody Feb. 4 following a pursuit that began when a deputy spotted a vehicle traveling without a license plate on Mandella Road.
Authorities said the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver — later identified as Moody — failed to pull over, prompting a chase. The pursuit ended when Moody drove into a cornfield and wrecked his vehicle.
Investigators say Moody then fled on foot. Deputies called in the sheriff’s office K9 Unit, which conducted a search of the area and located Moody hiding nearby. He surrendered without incident, officials said.
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During a search, deputies found methamphetamine in Moody’s pocket. He was arrested and charged with Failure to Stop for Blue Lights and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Sheriff Lewis praised the work of deputies and the K9 team in bringing the situation to a safe conclusion.
“Thanks to our deputies’ vigilant patrolling, rapid response, and the invaluable work of our K9 teams, we are able to take illegal drugs off the streets and hold those responsible accountable,” Lewis said. “The end result of proactive policing is ensuring the safety of every resident in Berkeley County.”
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to reducing crime and maintaining public safety across the county.
