Gaston, SC (Paul Kirby) – Gaston Police Department’s Major Stephen Watkins was led on a short pursuit Thursday afternoon after he attempted to stop a car for speeding while on patrol on Boy Scout Road. Watkins said he switched to rear radar after the car passed him. That showed the vehicle accelerating away before Watkins could turn his cruiser around. Watkins said there were several passengers in the car along with the driver. The driver of the car initiated the pursuit when he wouldn't yield to the officers.
The driver of the car eventually turned down Goodwin Road off Ballpark and came to a home at its dead end. Instead of stopping, the driver went past the house into the woods and came out on a two-rut road through the forest. Watkins followed and eventually, the fleeing car slid in a corner and hit a tree. There, the suspects jumped out and the young man fled on foot. A female and one other individual were detained for a short while before being released. After everyone got themselves oriented, they realized they’d gone through the woods and ended up in the vicinity of 187 Irvin Jumper Road.
Chief Shawn Mohundro notified Lexington County School District Four that the suspects were in the area of Gaston’s Frances Mack Intermediate School. They quickly put the school into lock out until the all clear was given.
Captain Poole of the Gaston PD put his bloodhound on the track moments after the chase ended. K-9s from the sheriff’s department also arrived to assist. They picked up the track and followed the man over a mile. The track was called off after a positive identification of the driver was made.
Major Watkins said that they are now looking for Daniel Addy of Swansea on a number of charges in Gaston. Additionally, he had several warrants from Lexington County, and one out of Orangeburg County. Gaston officers say they’ve dealt with him before.
