NEWBERRY COUNTY — A mother and her son were arrested on multiple charges late Sunday night after they led police on a short chase.
According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, a car driven by Yvette Michelle Pratt, 37, of 1139 Copeland St. in Newberry, was stopped at a public safety checkpoint at the intersection of Nance Street and Kendall Road when an officer spotted a container of alcohol in the vehicle.
The Newberry County Sheriffs’ Office and Newberry Police Department were conducting the safety checkpoint when the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m.
When the officer reached for the container, Pratt backed the vehicle up, turned it around and fled the area.
Officers were able to catch up to the vehicle as it turned onto Evans Street and initiated their blue lights and sirens. The driver continued down Wilson Road at speeds reaching more than 80 mph before turning onto Jolly Street Road.
An off-duty deputy had heard the chase, went to his patrol car and got his tire deflation device, went to the road in front of his home and placed the tire deflation device in the roadway.
The vehicle hit the device, flattening the two front tires and ending the chase a short distance later.
“This was made possible because the deputy was willing to work even off duty and because he had his vehicle with his equipment at his home,” said Foster. “This deputy, like so many of our deputies, are willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.”
Pratt and Carban Kiaeem Epps, 17, of 1139 Copeland St. in Newberry, were taken into custody when the vehicle came to a stop.
Officers searched the vehicle and found two different types of pills that are controlled substances. In addition, Epps had two bags of marijuana with an approximate weight of 53 grams in his possession.
Pratt was charged with failure to stop for a law enforcement vehicle, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, and second-degree assault and battery.
She was released Tuesday on a $9,000 surety bond.
Epps was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was released on Feb. 27 on a $5,000 surety bond.
The vehicle was a 2017 Jeep and was a rental car. The chase covered approximately 10 miles and lasted approximately nine minutes.
