A high-speed chase through Horry County ended with the arrest of a 19-year-old man after he crashed a stolen car and ran into a Dollar General. The incident unfolded on Sunday evening when Horry County Police Department (HCPD) officers were called to the area of 8th Avenue North in Aynor for a stolen car alert.
An officer attempted to pull over a Dodge Challenger, but the driver, identified as 19-year-old Omarion Hinson of Albemarle, North Carolina, sped away. Hinson drove recklessly down Highway 501, reaching speeds of 140 miles per hour, according to a police report.
Another officer successfully deployed stop sticks, which punctured at least two of the stolen car's tires. Hinson's vehicle eventually crashed at the intersection of 8th Avenue and Highway 501.
Following the crash, Hinson attempted to flee the scene on foot, running into a nearby Dollar General. An officer pursuing Hinson apprehended him after he exited the back of the store. The officer drew their weapon, which prompted Hinson to surrender.
After his arrest, Hinson admitted to authorities that an unidentified male paid him to drive the car to an undisclosed location. He also confessed to intentionally leading police on the high-speed chase, according to arrest warrants.
Hinson faces multiple charges, including two counts of failure to stop for a blue light, possession of a stolen vehicle, and receiving stolen goods valued at $2,000 or less. He is currently being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. His bail has not yet been set.
The High-Speed Chase
The incident began with a routine stolen car alert. An officer attempted to pull over the Dodge Challenger, but Hinson sped away, initiating a high-speed chase. The pursuit reached speeds of 140 miles per hour, posing a serious risk to public safety.
A Reckless Pursuit
Hinson's reckless driving during the chase highlights the dangers associated with this type of behavior. The chase reached speeds exceeding the legal limit by a significant margin, putting both Hinson and other motorists at risk. The pursuit ended in a crash, further emphasizing the potential for serious consequences.
The Arrest and Aftermath
The crash brought the chase to an end, but Hinson's attempt to escape on foot continued the pursuit. An officer eventually caught up with him, drawing their weapon to secure his surrender.
The Confession and Charges
Following his arrest, Hinson confessed to receiving payment to drive the stolen car. He also admitted to intentionally leading police on the chase. These admissions led to multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle and failure to stop for a blue light.
The Aftermath and Public Safety
Hinson's actions raise important questions about public safety and the consequences of reckless driving. The high-speed chase put innocent lives at risk, highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of illegal substances, speeding, and other reckless driving behaviors.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of obeying traffic laws and prioritizing public safety on the roads. This case underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to apprehend those who engage in criminal activity and ensure the safety of the community.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it serves as a reminder of the seriousness of stolen car offenses and the potential consequences for those involved.
Lessons Learned
This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing public safety and obeying traffic laws. The high-speed chase was a reckless act that put innocent lives at risk. It is crucial to remember that reckless driving can have serious consequences, not only for the driver but also for others on the road. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of illegal substances, speeding, and other reckless driving behaviors.
