SOUTH CAROLINA — A Berkeley County man was arrested Sunday night after a traffic stop led to a vehicle pursuit and the discovery of drugs and a firearm in Moncks Corner, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the incident began on Jan. 11 when a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a white 2007 Chevrolet Colorado pickup traveling north on Highway 52 near Horne Street. Authorities said the vehicle’s license plate was suspended due to canceled insurance. Although the driver activated a turn signal, deputies said the vehicle failed to stop and fled.
According to the sheriff’s office, the pursuit continued through multiple roadways and parking lots, including portions of Epson Plantation Drive, Rembert C. Dennis Boulevard, Old Highway 52, and the Shannonwood Drive area. Deputies reported speeds reached approximately 78 miles per hour. Stop sticks were deployed twice, and the vehicle eventually stopped in the Shannonwood neighborhood.
Following a probable cause search, deputies said they recovered approximately 12.80 grams of methamphetamine, 0.40 grams of cocaine, and 2.70 grams of marijuana laced with fentanyl. Authorities also reported finding a glass pipe commonly used for narcotics and a torch-style lighter.
Deputies said they also discovered a loaded bullpup-style 12-gauge shotgun with a drum magazine, along with a digital scale containing suspected drug residue.
The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as Thomas Paul Palmer, 39, of Bonneau. He was charged with failure to stop for blue lights, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of possession with intent to distribute, trafficking a controlled substance, manufacturing cocaine first offense, possession of cocaine first offense, and trafficking methamphetamine more than 10 grams but less than 28 grams.
Palmer was taken to the Hill-Finklea Detention Center to await a bond hearing. The investigation remains ongoing.
