Man facing multiple charges after leading police on high-speed chase into South Carolina

TABOR CITY, N.C. (WECT)- A man has been charged after he allegedly led police on a chase across state lines.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office says the incident happened on Dec. 31 when they received a call from a concerned citizen. The caller reported two armed men running through their yard near Carolina Road.

“The witness confronted the armed individual and urged him to leave, citing the presence of children in his home. The individual complied, and the witness reported the incident to authorities. Shortly after, gunfire was heard nearby,” the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office says deputies went to the area where gunfire was heard and spotted suspicious cars. One of the cars, a grey Pontiac, took off at high speed.

“Deputies initiated a pursuit, during which the suspect vehicle reached speeds of 112 MPH and disregarded multiple traffic control devices,” said the sheriff’s office. “During the pursuit, an object thrown from the vehicle caused damage to a deputy’s patrol car, forcing the deputy to terminate the chase for safety reasons.”

The car crossed into Horry County where the Horry County Sheriff’s Office helped find the car during a second pursuit in their jurisdiction.

The car was found abandoned on Fair Bluff Highway.

“Vice/Narcotics Detectives obtained search warrants for the vehicle and subsequently for the residence of Mr. Christopher Edwards,“ said the sheriff’s office.

The searches uncovered:

• Multiple controlled substances, including heroin and cocaine
• Drug paraphernalia, including digital scales and packaging materials
• A Smith & Wesson revolver with ammunition
• Additional evidence linking Mr. Edwards to the crimes

On Jan. 3, Edwards was arrested and charged with 17 offenses, including:

• Felony Flee/Elude Arrest with Motor Vehicle
• Misdemeanor Reckless Driving to Endanger
• Misdemeanor Littering Not Less Than 10 LBS
• Two Misdemeanor Counts of Speeding
• Misdemeanor No Operators License
• Infraction Drive Left of Center
• Infraction Failure to Stop at Stop Sign/Flashing Red Light
• Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Felony Alter/Steal/Destroy Criminal Evidence
• Misdemeanor Littering 10-500 LBS
• Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver (PWISD) Cocaine
• Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Heroin
• Two Felony Counts of Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling for Controlled Substances
• Misdemeanor Discharge of a Firearm in City Limits
• Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Misdemeanor Damage to Government Property
• Misdemeanor Resisting a Public Officer

“This case demonstrates the dedication and coordination of our team in ensuring public safety. The collaboration with Horry County was instrumental in apprehending the suspect and holding him accountable for his actions,” said Sheriff Bill Rogers.