Wild Chase Ends with Arrest in Lexington, S.C.
In a bizarre turn of events Monday night in Lexington, South Carolina, a simple civil dispute escalated into a high-speed chase that had all the excitement of a blockbuster action movie. Local law enforcement, specifically the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD), responded to a call related to the dispute around 8:00 PM in the 3400 block of Augusta Road, but little did they know this situation would take quite a twist.
The Incident Unfolds
Upon arriving on the scene, deputies encountered 22-year-old Kevin Romero. Sheriff Jay Koon later revealed that Romero was already wanted by authorities from at least two different law enforcement agencies in the Midlands area. The atmosphere quickly turned tense when Romero was found holding a baseball bat in his hand. In a moment that would set off a chain of chaotic events, he dropped the bat but then reportedly put his hands in his pockets, claiming he had a knife.
Struggling with the Deputy
The deputy on duty acted swiftly to remove the threat, retrieving the knife and placing it on the ground. However, as attempts to detain Romero began, a physical struggle ensued between the deputy and the suspect. Things escalated quickly, and during this tussle, the struggle transferred to the back of the deputy’s patrol car.
Details from the incident report reveal that it was during this physical confrontation that the deputy struck Romero in the face. It was a chaotic scene, and amidst the struggle, something happened that no one expected: Romero managed to open the driver’s side door of the patrol vehicle and jumped in.
The Chase Begins
In a jaw-dropping moment, Romero took off in the deputy’s patrol car before the deputy could even reach for his taser. The chase was on! In a completely unexpected twist, the deputy jumped into a passerby’s vehicle and began following Romero in an attempt to regain control of the situation. Backup arrived quickly, and multiple units from LCSD joined the pursuit.
Finding a Route to Miami?
The chase continued for several harrowing minutes before it came to a crashing end on Interstate 20 near mile marker 5 in Aiken County. According to the incident report, everything seemed intact in the patrol car, but Romero had done some peculiar things during the drive. He attempted to set a route to Miami on the car’s MCT (Mobile Computer Terminal), and in a rather bizarre move, even performed a factory reset on the deputy’s county-issued phone.
After the Dust Settles
Once the car finally came to a stop, deputies quickly took Romero into custody without further incident. He was subsequently transported to the Lexington County Detention Center, where he now faces several serious charges. These include grand larceny, failing to stop for blue lights, and reckless driving. Sheriff Koon indicated that more charges could potentially be on the way as the situation continues to unfold.
Reflecting on the Unusual Event
What started as a civil dispute turned into an unforgettable incident that residents will undoubtedly talk about for some time. The quick actions of law enforcement ensured that the situation did not escalate further, and thankfully, no one was reported injured during the fracas.
As more details emerge, it will be interesting to see how this wild chase will be recounted and whether any more charges come to light for Romero. It certainly adds an unexpected chapter to the daily happenings right here in Lexington!
Stay tuned for updates and, as always, keep safety as a priority in your everyday life!
