Bluffton, January 16, 2026
A suspect remains at large following a high-speed police chase in Bluffton that reached over 130 mph and ended with a crash. The individual fled into nearby woods, evading law enforcement search efforts. Authorities discovered suspected crack cocaine in the wrecked vehicle. The police had initially stopped a BMW for an equipment violation, but the situation escalated when the driver fled, leading to the pursuit’s abandonment for public safety. An ongoing investigation is underway as law enforcement tries to capture the suspect.
Bluffton, South Carolina
A suspect remains at large after a high-speed police chase exceeding 130 miles per hour ended in a car crash in Bluffton early Wednesday morning, January 15, 2026. Following the collision, the individual fled into a heavily wooded area, eluding a search effort that included police officers and a team of bloodhounds. Authorities later discovered a small quantity of suspected crack cocaine inside the wrecked vehicle.
Incident Unfolds After Traffic Stop
The events began around 1 a.m. on Wednesday when a BMW sedan was initially pulled over for an equipment violation near the intersection of Hidden Lakes Drive and Simmonsville Road in Bluffton. The driver reportedly cooperated at first, providing an officer with identification. However, the situation escalated rapidly when the driver suddenly accelerated away from the scene.
The vehicle then turned onto S.C. 46, also known as May River Road, heading westbound. During this phase, the car reached speeds of at least 130 miles per hour, according to Eydie Moody, a spokesperson for the Bluffton Police Department. The pursuit continued for approximately five miles before officers made the decision to abandon the chase in the vicinity of Rose Dhu Creek Plantation due to the extreme speeds, prioritizing public safety.
Crash and Escape into Woods
Despite the police discontinuing their active pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle crashed into a large tree about one mile later. This information was detailed in a Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office incident report. Upon arriving at the crash site, officers found the vehicle severely damaged. The suspect, however, was no longer at the scene, having reportedly fled on foot into the dense woods nearby.
A subsequent search of the wrecked BMW led to the discovery of a small amount of suspected crack cocaine. This added a drug-related element to the ongoing investigation.
Extensive Search Efforts Prove Unsuccessful
Bluffton police immediately requested assistance from a Beaufort County bloodhound team to track the fleeing individual. The search focused on a perimeter triangulated around Palmetto Bluff Road, May River Road, and Stoney Creek Drive—an area characterized by its heavy tree cover. Despite the concerted efforts of law enforcement and the specialized canine unit, the extensive search operation proved unsuccessful. As of Thursday morning, January 16, 2026, the suspect had not been located.
Authorities confirmed that they are aware of the suspect’s identity. This crucial piece of information was obtained because the driver had provided his identification to the officer during the initial traffic stop before speeding away. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with law enforcement continuing their efforts to apprehend the individual involved in the high-speed chase and subsequent drug discovery.
This incident highlights the dangers associated with high-speed pursuits and the challenges law enforcement faces when suspects attempt to evade capture. The Bluffton Police Department continues to gather information and investigate all aspects of the case to bring the suspect to justice. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Bluffton, South Carolina, recently?
A suspect remains at large after a high-speed police chase exceeding 130 miles per hour ended in a car crash in Bluffton early Wednesday morning, January 15, 2026. Following the collision, the individual fled into a heavily wooded area, eluding a search effort that included police officers and a team of bloodhounds. Authorities later discovered a small quantity of suspected crack cocaine inside the wrecked vehicle.
When did the incident occur?
The events began around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2026.
What initiated the police chase?
A BMW sedan was initially pulled over for an equipment violation near the intersection of Hidden Lakes Drive and Simmonsville Road in Bluffton.
How fast did the suspect’s vehicle go during the chase?
The vehicle reached speeds of at least 130 miles per hour.
Was anything found in the suspect’s vehicle?
A small amount of suspected crack cocaine was discovered in the wrecked BMW.
Has the suspect been apprehended?
No, the suspect had not been located as of Thursday morning, January 16, 2026, despite search efforts by police and a bloodhound team.
Do authorities know the suspect’s identity?
Yes, authorities confirmed that they are aware of the suspect’s identity because the driver had provided his identification to the officer during the initial traffic stop before speeding away.
Key Features of the Bluffton Police Chase Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Bluffton, South Carolina (initial stop near Hidden Lakes Drive and Simmonsville Road, chase on S.C. 46/May River Road, crash near Rose Dhu Creek Plantation, search perimeter around Palmetto Bluff Road, May River Road, and Stoney Creek Drive) |
| Date and Time | Early Wednesday morning, January 15, 2026, around 1 a.m. |
| Vehicle Involved | BMW sedan |
| Initial Reason for Stop | Equipment violation |
| Maximum Chase Speed | At least 130 mph |
| Outcome of Chase | Police abandoned pursuit due to excessive speeds; suspect crashed vehicle into a large tree approximately one mile later. |
| Suspect Status | Fled on foot, remains at large as of January 16, 2026. |
| Items Discovered | Small amount of suspected crack cocaine in wrecked vehicle. |
| Search Efforts | Bluffton police and Beaufort County bloodhound team; search unsuccessful. |
| Suspect Identification | Identity known to authorities due to prior ID provision. |
| Source of Information | Eydie Moody (Bluffton Police Department spokesperson) and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office incident report. |
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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.
