SOUTH CAROLINA — A man was arrested after deputies say he tried to hide a large amount of illegal drugs and fled during a traffic stop in Sumter County.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 2:20 p.m. Wednesday on Red Bay Road.
Authorities said a deputy initiated a traffic stop when the driver was seen throwing items into the yard of a nearby home. While deputies searched for those items, they observed the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Derrick Germaine Ford of Sumter, attempting to hide an object under a vehicle.
When deputies attempted to detain Ford for further investigation, he fled on foot. Officials said he was quickly apprehended after a short chase.
Investigators reported that Ford had attempted to conceal illegal drugs. Authorities said he was found in possession of approximately 200 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of about $22,000.
Ford was arrested and charged with trafficking in cocaine and trafficking in methamphetamine or cocaine base.
He was taken to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, where he is awaiting a bond hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
