RICHBURG, S.C. — Deputies from multiple South Carolina counties are searching for a suspect accused of firing shots at Chester County deputies during a police chase late Monday night.
According to the Chester County Sheriff's Office, deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop for a suspicious vehicle at the Bojangles at Highway 9 and Edgeland Road around 11 p.m. Monday. Deputies said the vehicle was being stopped for suspicious activity because it was at the restaurant well after it closed. The sheriff's office said the suspect vehicle refused to stop and multiple rounds were fired at deputies, striking at least two cars.
The driver then led deputies into York County before turning onto Highway 901 and re-entering Chester County. The 30-mile chase ended in a crash on Highway 9 near Lewisville High School.
The suspect is believed to have entered a wooded area and has not been found. Sheriff Max Dorsey said a woman was driving the suspect vehicle during the chase. The woman, identified as Adrienne Simpson, was arrested at the scene of the wreck. Simpson is charged with Failure to Stop for Blue Light.
The accused shooter, identified as 27-year-old Tyler Donett Terry, ran from the scene into a wooded area and has not been found. Investigators believe Terry is still in the woods somewhere near the crash site. Police said Terry fired multiple shots from the passenger side of the suspect vehicle during the chase. Investigators have obtained two warrants for Terry's arrest for attempted murder.
"He is to be considered armed and dangerous," said Dorsey. "He fired shots, multiple shots at my deputies."
As of 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, a roughly five-mile stretch of Highway 9 is currently closed between Lewisville High School and Fishing Creek while police search for the suspect.
According to SLED, one deputy received minor injuries during the incident.
"That's by the grace of God," said Dorsey. "That shot was one of the first shots fired at the deputy, but they continued. That deputy continued in that chase and so did that entire shift."
Chester County Schools announced all three schools in Lewisville would have remote learning Tuesday due to police activity in the area. All other schools will be on a two-hour delay. Chester County Schools later confirmed that schools will operate on a regular schedule Wednesday, and had been in regular contact with law enforcement.
The Lewisville schools will operate on a "lockout" status Wednesday, meaning students and staff will remain inside for the entirety of the school day.
Residents in the area have been asked to lock their doors and call 911 if they see any suspicious activity.
Deputies from Lancaster and York counties were called in to help with the search. South Carolina Highway Patrol and SLED officers are also on the scene. The search resumed Wednesday, and Highway 9 was open with limitations. Drivers are told to drive slowly through the area so as to not endanger law enforcement.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.