AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. () – On May 15th, just after 8:30 pm, a deputy from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Sheraton Drive near Atomic Road due to a speeding vehicle.
The deputy approached the vehicle and requested the necessary information from the driver, who then took off.
The deputy attempted to catch up with the suspect vehicle but lost sight of it, and ended the chase.
While the deputy was near the intersection of Sheraton Drive and Old Jackson Highway, close to the Kimberly Clark entrance, he witnessed the vehicle run a traffic light and collide with a Chevrolet Suburban heading south on Old Jackson Highway, resulting in a fire.
EMS and Fire units were notified and responded. Deputies on scene pulled occupants from the car and began life saving measures.
One death was reported. The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Jaquavis Baptiste of Elko, S.C., the front seat passenger.
Several of the the occupants in the vehicle were injured and taken to the hospital.
Authorities say multiple firearms were found int he car as well.
The incident is being investigated by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and the Aiken County Coroner’s Office.
