BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A high-speed pursuit that began in Charleston County ended in Berkeley County Tuesday after deputies used a tactical maneuver to stop a stolen vehicle and arrest the driver, authorities said.
Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis announced the arrest of 37-year-old Ronald Lee Bowers II of Ladson, who now faces a long list of charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, failure to stop for blue lights and sirens (second offense), reckless driving, and driving under suspension.
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According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called in to assist the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office with a pursuit that began on Highway 78. The suspect, identified as Bowers, continued fleeing into Berkeley County, refusing to stop even after deputies deployed tire deflation devices.
Officials said the vehicle was struck multiple times with stop sticks, but Bowers continued to drive as the pursuit moved deeper into the county.
With the situation escalating, Sheriff Lewis authorized deputies to use a Pursuit Intervention Technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, to bring the chase to a controlled end.
Deputies forced the vehicle off the roadway and into a ditch, disabling it. Bowers was then taken into custody without further incident.
“We are committed to protecting the public, and in this case, it was clear the suspect had no intention of stopping,” Lewis said. “Utilizing a PIT maneuver was the safest and most effective way to quickly bring the situation under control and prevent further danger to our community.”
Authorities later confirmed the vehicle had been stolen out of North Charleston.
Investigators also noted that Bowers has a prior conviction for failure to stop for blue lights from January 2024.
No injuries were reported during the pursuit or arrest.
