High-speed ‘Live PD’ chase leads to attempted murder charge

A man attempted to run over two local deputies in a high-speed chase Friday night, officials say.

Michael Lewis, 24, is charged with attempted murder after what began as a failure to stop at a traffic checkpoint, according to Richland County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Curtis Wilson.

Lewis fled from a checkpoint in Fairfield County around 9 p.m. Friday, nearly striking a Fairfield deputy with his car in the process, Wilson said.

From there, Lewis drove on I-77 into Richland County, where Richland deputies picked up the pursuit, which at one point reached speeds over 100 mph, Wilson said.

Deputies were able to get the fleeing vehicle to slow down. When an officer approached the vehicle, it took off fast, almost hitting the deputy, Wilson said.

The chase continued to the Lake Shore Village apartments in the 7600 block of Garners Ferry Road, where Lewis and a passenger got out and fled on foot.

The two were soon captured. Only Lewis has been charged.

In addition to attempted murder, Lewis is charged with failure to stop for blue lights and sirens and driving with an open container of alcohol.

This story was originally published January 27, 2018 at 10:54 AM with the headline "High-speed ‘Live PD’ chase leads to attempted murder charge."