Irmo Man Gets 25 Years in Prison for Burglary Rampage and Wild Police Chase
In a gripping turn of events that has left the residents of Irmo, South Carolina, shaking their heads, Christopher Azra Dalne Adkins, a local 28-year-old, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following a string of burglaries and a dramatic high-speed chase involving law enforcement. The sentence was handed down on December 4, as announced by the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s office.
Burglaries Galore
Adkins didn’t just stop at one crime; he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including second-degree burglary (violent), third-degree burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle (valued at $10,000 or more), and failure to stop for blue lights (a second offense). These charges all stemmed from a wild encounter on September 17, 2023, where his life took a turn for the worse.
Police Pursuit
It all began when a Cayce police officer attempted to pull over a stolen vehicle being driven by Adkins. But instead of stopping, Adkins made the decision to lead law enforcement on a jaw-dropping 34-mile chase, hitting speeds of up to 100 mph. Talk about a thrill ride!
The chase ended when officers deployed a tactical measure known as a “stop stick,” which disabled the stolen vehicle. Finally, Adkins was apprehended, but the drama didn’t stop there. An investigation revealed he was also linked to a string of storage unit burglaries that had been plaguing the area.
Guns Galore
Perhaps the most shocking revelation was that one of the stolen storage units contained over 50 firearms, ranging from antique collectibles to suppressed assault rifles. One can only imagine the panic and fear this must have instilled in the community.
A Troubling Past
At the time of his arrest, Adkins was already on probation for several prior convictions, which included distribution of methamphetamine and possession of another stolen vehicle. Clearly, this wasn’t his first run-in with the law.
The sentencing saw Adkins receiving the maximum penalty—15 years for the second-degree burglary charge and an additional 10 years for possessing a stolen vehicle. What’s more, these sentences were ordered to run consecutively, which means he’ll be spending a significant part of his life behind bars.
Law Enforcement’s Commitment
The case drew significant attention, not just for the shocking nature of the crimes but also for the efforts of law enforcement. The Cayce police, alongside the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, played crucial roles in bringing Adkins to justice. Assistant Solicitor Russell Parker led the prosecution, bringing a sense of closure to an unsettling chapter in Irmo’s book of crime.
Justice Served
Residents might be breathing a little easier knowing that a major criminal has been taken off the streets, although it’s a stark reminder of the risks that can lurk in their own backyard. The community will likely continue to share stories of the wild police chase and the audacity displayed by Adkins.
As this story unfolds, keep your eyes peeled for any updates regarding other developments. For now, Irmo can rest a little more easily knowing that this burglar is facing the music—behind bars—for the next quarter century.
