A Berkeley County, S.C., deputy involved in a fatal motorcycle crash this month in Summerville is so far not facing charges in the incident.
Robert Lee Clark Jr., 30, of Goose Creek, died after his Harley Davidson collided with the deputy’s SUV on Main Street, near Richardson Avenue, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the lead agency investigating the fatality. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting its own investigation, said Chief Deputy Mike Cochran.
The officer involved in the crash, Deputy James Vansant, has since been placed on leave pending an administrative review, said Berkeley County sheriff’s officials.
According to Solicitor David Pascoe, with the First Circuit Court, which includes Dorchester County, it would be his agency’s job to bring charges against Vansant, should the case lend itself to that.
Pascoe told the Journal Scene on Sunday that his office has not reviewed the case and has yet to be approached on the matter but is ready if and when the time comes.
“If and when SLED or Department of Public Safety asks for our assistance, we will advise them on legal matters,” he said.
Dash cam footage in the case shows the deputy’s vehicle hit the motorcycle twice during the chase. Berkeley sheriff’s officials said they believed Clark failed to shift properly, slowing the bike and causing the deputy’s SUV, traveling at more than 100 mph during parts of the chase, to run into it.
W.I.N. – What’s Important Now?
Buddy, you the LEO in this chase, your life is what matters to me. The speeds you were reaching and the red lights you ran through without even slowing down break my heart. What was worth your life in this chase? It’s not worth it, you going home to your family and not running into and killing innocents is all that matters. 27 years in EMS, I am begging you to stop and think, “is this chase worth my own life? The life of an innocent? We are a family of Public Safety and I will forever consider your life more important than the “bad guys.”
OK then . Scratch two LEO careers. One for the pursuit officer, and his superior. One accidental bump, is plausible. Second, is intentional, the pursuing officer wanted to put hurt on the guy . Pit or similar OS prohibited on motorcycles, as it is potentially lethal force. W.I.N. is for officer to get with defense attorney, and minimise time behind bars.