News Summary
A police chase in Beaufort culminated in a manhunt for five suspects after a white Toyota Corolla crashed. The driver, Theodore Lamont Frazier, faces multiple charges, including child endangerment. Following the chase, he threatened a deputy while being treated at a hospital. Frazier, with a history of legal troubles, remains in custody as authorities continue to search for additional suspects from the incident.
Beaufort, SC – High-Speed Police Chase Results in Manhunt for Fleeing Suspects
A police chase that began on Saturday evening in Beaufort led to a multi-mile manhunt for five fugitives who fled a crashed vehicle. The incident began around 5:15 p.m. when a deputy noticed a white Toyota Corolla with an obstructed registration decal, leading to a high-speed pursuit on U.S. 21 (Trask Parkway).
During the chase, the Corolla was clocked at approximately 100 mph while weaving through traffic. The driver lost control and crashed the car into a ditch, sustaining moderate to disabling damage. Following the crash, the driver and two passengers exited the vehicle and fled north toward the nearby Spanish Moss Trail.
Police Response and Search Efforts
Responding to the incident, a K9 team and backup officers were deployed to assist in the pursuit. The police dog successfully led officers through dense woods, eventually locating the three fugitives near the Spanish Moss trailhead at Poppy Hill Road. Officers also discovered a Glock pistol in the grass, believed to belong to one of the suspects.
Identification and Charges
The driver of the Corolla was identified as 22-year-old Theodore Lamont Frazier from Beaufort. He faces several serious charges, including failure to stop for blue lights, fleeing to evade, and possession of suspected marijuana. Additionally, Frazier faces two counts of child endangerment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor for having two teenagers in the vehicle during the chase.
The two detained juvenile suspects, aged 16 and 17, are facing charges in family court. Security footage from a nearby firetruck revealed that two additional passengers also fled the vehicle but have not yet been apprehended by law enforcement.
Medical Clearance and Additional Charges
After the chase, Frazier was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital for medical clearance before being booked into jail. However, during his arrival at the hospital, he threatened a deputy, stating intentions to kill the officer. Following this incident, Frazier was charged with threatening a public official, a felony offense.
Current Status and Background
As of Thursday, Theodore Lamont Frazier remains in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center, with cash bonds totaling more than $70,000. Frazier has a significant criminal history in Beaufort County, with pending charges including robbery and discharging firearms into a dwelling.
The police chase and subsequent manhunt illustrate the ongoing issues with vehicle pursuits in the region and the challenge law enforcement faces in apprehending those engaged in such dangerous behavior. The event has drawn attention to the potential dangers associated with high-speed chases, both for law enforcement and the general public.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Police Chase in Beaufort
- Wikipedia: Police Chase
- First Coast News: Missing Teens in Jacksonville
- Google Search: Beaufort police chase
- WTOC: Help Locate Missing Juveniles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- ABC News 4: Missing Juveniles Search
- Google News: Beaufort missing juveniles
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
