A manhunt is underway in South Carolina after authorities say a suspect intentionally rammed a deputy’s patrol vehicle during a chaotic chase that began with a routine traffic stop. The incident, which unfolded Friday in Newberry County, led to multiple arrests, several firearm seizures, and serious charges including attempted murder.
According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, what started as a speeding stop quickly escalated into a violent and dangerous situation involving armed suspects and a fleeing driver.
Routine Traffic Stop Escalates in Whitmire
The incident began when a Whitmire Police Department officer pulled over a speeding vehicle near the Lil Cricket convenience store. During the stop, the officer reportedly smelled marijuana and called for assistance from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies arrived, they observed a firearm positioned between passengers inside the vehicle. Authorities say 30-year-old Piedmont resident Kyshawn Rashad Ware then pushed away from officers and fled on foot. Investigators say Ware was picked up by a second vehicle that left the scene before law enforcement could stop it.
Patrol Car Rammed During Pursuit
A responding deputy located the second vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Instead of complying, the driver allegedly rammed the deputy’s patrol car and fled through Whitmire.
The vehicle later approached the Whitmire Community Center, nearly 20 miles from the initial stop. Deputies say three individuals, including Ware, jumped from the moving vehicle and attempted to escape on foot.
During the pursuit, authorities say 25-year-old Greenville resident Jalen Jawwan Hamrick pulled a firearm on deputies. Law enforcement officials report that Hamrick was disarmed before he could fire the weapon.
Ware was eventually taken into custody while attempting to flee. However, the alleged driver of the second vehicle, identified as 25-year-old Greenville resident Jonathan Deshawn Thompson, escaped from the community center in another car. A search for Thompson remains ongoing.
Thompson is expected to face charges of failing to stop for a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, and resisting arrest, according to officials.
Multiple Charges and Firearms Seized
Ware will be charged with breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature and resisting arrest. Hamrick faces charges including breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature and resisting arrest with a deadly weapon.
Deputies seized three guns during the second traffic stop near the community center.
Back at the original stop, authorities arrested three additional individuals: 30-year-old Greenville resident Yachi Pinson, 28-year-old Greenville resident Kanijae Traviez Howard, and 29-year-old Greer resident Sanchez Antavious Gilliam. All three are charged with possession of a stolen weapon and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Two additional firearms were recovered during the initial stop.
Investigators determined that the suspects were in Newberry County to attend a party at the Whitmire Community Center. Authorities classified all five arrested individuals as known gang members, and one suspect was reportedly wearing an ankle monitor at the time of arrest.
Sheriff Speaks on Dangerous Encounter
Sheriff Lee Foster emphasized the risks officers faced during the incident.
“This incident is a clear reminder of how dangerous law enforcement work is each and every day,” Sheriff Lee Foster said. “In a matter of moments, what began as a routine traffic stop escalated into a violent situation involving multiple armed suspects, a vehicle ramming a deputy’s patrol car, and a firearm being pulled on deputies.
“We are extremely fortunate that no officers or citizens were shot or seriously injured.”
Authorities confirmed that despite the severity of the encounter, no officers or civilians suffered serious injuries.
Investigation Ongoing as Manhunt Continues
Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed as evidence is reviewed. Deputies continue searching for Thompson, urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact authorities.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details regarding the timing of further court appearances.
Summary of the Incident
A routine speeding stop in Whitmire escalated into a high-risk pursuit involving multiple armed suspects, a deputy’s patrol car being rammed, and a firearm drawn on deputies. Five individuals are now in custody facing serious charges, while one suspect remains at large.
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate as the search intensifies for the alleged driver accused of attempted murder.
