NEWBERRY — The Newberry County Sheriff’s has arrested a man they say dragged a deputy to the ground and struck another officer with a car after they discovered marijuana in the vehicle.
On Jan. 10, just after 9:30 p.m., the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Newberry Police Department and State Law Enforcement Division were conducting a checkpoint at the intersection of Vincent Street and Giff Street when Joshua Mathis came to the checkpoint, driving a dark green Tahoe.
When he stopped the deputy looked inside the vehicle and saw a large bag of marijuana lying on the seat. When the deputy opened the door to remove Mathis from the vehicle, Mathis accelerated the vehicle catching the deputy in the door knocking him to ground and dragging him a short distance.
Once Mathis accelerated, he then struck a Newberry Police Department officer who was also at the checkpoint. The officer was able to take evasive action and was struck with a glancing blow from the car.
Mathis sped away and law enforcement pursued. The officers located the vehicle a short distance away. Mathis had fled the vehicle, but the marijuana, which weighed approximately 12 ounces, was still located inside the vehicle. Law enforcement made an intensive search of the area, but were unable to locate Mathis.
Joshua Miles Mathis, 26, of 25 Miles Road, Newberry, surrendered himself to law enforcement on Jan. 12. He was charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and failure to stop for law enforcement. His bond was denied.
Both officers were treated and released from Newberry County Memorial Hospital. They suffered minor injuries.
After the incident took place, Mathis’ girlfriend called law enforcement and reported the car stolen. After investigation, law enforcement determined that she had filed the false report in an attempt to cover Mathis’ crime.
Titilayo Khadija Robinson, 25, of 838 Bedenbaugh Street, Newberry, was charged with filing a false police report.
