Car-chase suspect hit deputy in face, RCSD says

A 21-year-old man hit a deputy in the face after driving recklessly and leading the deputy on a car chase, authorities say.

Richland County Sheriff’s deputies say a man was spotted driving recklessly just after 3 a.m. Saturday near Nunamaker Drive and Broad River Road, close to Columbia High School.

A deputy attempted to pull over the vehicle, but the suspect led the deputy on a car chase several miles to Byrnes Drive and Harrison Road, deputies say. The suspect fled the car and was chased and captured by a canine. When the deputy attempted to arrest the suspect, the suspect hit the deputy in the face, authorities say.

The suspect, Tyrone Durham, was arrested and charged with failure to stop for blue lights and siren, reckless driving and assault while resisting arrest.