News - Local/State

Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2008

Rock Hill police official nearly hit by fleeing suspect's truck

A Rock Hill police official was nearly hit by a fleeing suspect's vehicle during a two-county chase today that ended when a Clover man wrecked a stolen pick-up truck in Chester County, officials said.

Michael Scott Reneke, 23, of Clover was hospitalized in Chester County, said Lt. Jerry Waldrop of the Rock Hill Department. Officials at the Chester hospital declined to release Reneke’s condition.

He faces several charges including assault and battery with intent to kill, driving under a suspended license and failure to stop for police and reckless driving, Waldrop said.

Around 1:50 p.m. today, authorities tried to stop Reneke for a noise violation based on how loud the radio was playing in the pickup truck, Waldrop said. But police stopped the pursuit, but later continued after a woman said she was almost hit by the truck. She told police the truck was in the Highland Park subdivision.

Waldrop approached the pickup truck, which had been identified as stolen, when it stopped in a cul-de-sac.

Then Reneke “gunned” the pickup truck, Waldrop said.

“I had to jump back into my car, slamming the door as he passed within inches of my vehicle,” Waldrop said.

The veteran officer was not hurt. Meanwhile, officials believe Reneke's speed exceeded 60 mph. The York County Sheriff's Office took over the chase at S.C. 324 and Ogden Road, Waldrop said.

“He (Reneke) wrecked in Chester,” Waldrop said.

The S.C. Highway Patrol is assisting in the investigation.