SOUTH CAROLINA — A Harleyville man is facing charges after authorities say he led deputies on a high-speed pursuit through multiple communities in Dorchester County while driving a stolen vehicle.
According to the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, 32-year-old Phillip Anthony Cutter was arrested Monday and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and failure to stop for blue lights.
Deputies were conducting proactive patrols in the Saint George area at approximately 11:08 a.m. when they identified a stolen vehicle traveling on the roadway. Authorities said a traffic stop was initiated at a Shell gas station on Charleston Highway.
As deputies approached the vehicle, Cutter allegedly refused to comply with commands before fleeing the scene, prompting a pursuit.
Investigators said Cutter drove recklessly and reached speeds exceeding 90 mph during the chase. The pursuit traveled through the communities of Saint George, Dorchester and Harleyville, including portions of Interstate 26, as well as rural dirt roads and agricultural areas.
During the pursuit, deputies deployed stop sticks, puncturing the passenger-side tires of the vehicle. Despite the damage, authorities said Cutter continued driving for several miles before crashing into a wooded area near the intersection of Highway 178 and Highway 78.
After the crash, Cutter allegedly attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by deputies.
The sheriff’s office said Cutter was arrested without further incident and remains in custody at the L.C. Knight Detention Center.
No injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.
