Gaston teen leads Kershaw County deputies on high-speed chase, faces several drug possession charges

A Gaston man led Kershaw County deputies on a high-speed chase Saturday before he was eventually taken into custody and is now facing several charges related to drug possession, officials said.

Sheriff Jim Matthews said 18-year-old Austin Boone has been charged with failure to stop for blue lights, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, driving under suspension and speeding in connection with the incident.

Matthews said a deputy was patrolling I-20 near the Lee County line when he observed a black Chrysler 200, which Boone was driving, allegedly traveling at speeds over 115 miles per hour. The maximum posted speed limit along I-20 is 70 miles per hour.

When the deputy attempted to stop Boone, Matthews said, he allegedly attempted to evade the deputy and exited I-20 at Exit 101 towards S.C. 34. Boone then began onto U.S. 1 towards Camden, but was stopped after several deputies were able boxed-in his vehicle.

Matthews said at one point during the chase, an unidentified black male subject jumped from the back seat of Boone’s vehicle and fled. Boone’s girlfriend was also riding in the vehicle and was detained after the chase ended, but she was released shortly after.

Boone was taken into custody without further incident, Matthews said.

Upon further investigation of Boone’s vehicle, Matthews said deputies found a small amount of marijuana and assorted pharmaceutical drugs.

Matthews said Boone was transported to the Kershaw County Detention Center and was later released on bond.