The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office successfully resolved a case involving a dangerous disturbance with weapons and a high-speed vehicle pursuit. This incident, which began with a citizen’s report of armed individuals, underscores the effective collaboration between our Patrol Deputies, Vice/Narcotics Detectives, and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office.

On December 31, 2024, deputies were dispatched to the area of Carolina Road in response to reports of a disturbance involving weapons. A resident reported seeing two males running through his yard, one chasing the other with an AR-style rifle. 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.

Deputies responded to the location of the gunfire and observed suspicious vehicles in the area. One vehicle, a grey Pontiac, fled at high speed. Deputies initiated a pursuit, during which the suspect vehicle reached speeds of 112 MPH and disregarded multiple traffic control devices. 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.

Shortly thereafter, the suspect vehicle 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. 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
Detectives worked closely with the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, who assisted in locating the vehicle during a secondary pursuit in their jurisdiction. Horry County deputies’ inventory of the vehicle uncovered narcotics, which were secured for further investigation by Columbus County Vice/Narcotics Detectives.



Cont.

On January 3, 2025, Mr. Edwards was arrested and charged with numerous 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
Sheriff Bill Rogers commended the efforts of the deputies and Vice/Narcotics Detectives involved, stating, “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.” The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to addressing criminal activity and ensuring the safety of our residents.

“Everyone is presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in this post is not intended to be an expression of opinion regarding guilt.”

Via CCSO