Shots fired at SC officers during chase after Rock Hill armed robbery, police say
Two suspects are in custody after shots were fired at police from a fleeing SUV Tuesday morning during a chase after an armed robbery at a Rock Hill convenience store, officials said.
The chase went south from Rock Hill through rural York County into Chester County then back to York County where both the driver and passenger were caught, the Rock Hill Police Department said in a statement.
The passenger in the car was identified by police as Ronald Eugene Wilson, 36, of Staunton, Va. Wilson is charged by Rock Hill police with armed robbery, conspiracy, and possession of a weapon during violent crime, officials said.
The driver of the car, Andrew Gunner Johnson, 23, of Charlotte, is charged with failure to stop for blue lights, accessory to armed robbery, and conspiracy, officials said.
No officers were hurt, according to the statement and Rock Hill police Lt. Michael Chavis. Police did not return gunfire, he said.
The chase
York County deputies, Chester County deputies and S.C. Highway Patrol troopers assisted during the pursuit, officials said. The driver was caught after police stop spikes flattened the tires off McConnells Highway southwest of Rock Hill, officials said.
The passenger then fled on foot but was found under a house after K-9 dogs were brought to the scene, Chavis said.
“This shows the collaboration of law enforcement working together,” Chavis said.
York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson told the Herald Tuesday the suspects’ actions were dangerous.
The armed robbery happened after 1 a.m. Tuesday at the Circle K on North Cherry Road south of Interstate 77, police said. The driver and passenger fled before a Rock Hill officer saw the vehicle heading south on Cherry Road near Constitution Boulevard, police said in the statement. Police began a pursuit after the driver failed to stop, officials said.
“We’re grateful this ended the way it did,” Tolson said in a statement to The Herald. “This suspect put many lives in danger, including his own.”
Investigation continues, suspects jailed
The York County Sheriff’s Office investigation is ongoing concerning the shots fired at Rock Hill police officers, officials said.
Both Wilson and Johnson remain jailed at the Rock Hill law center.
Check back for updates to this story.
This story was originally published January 23, 2024 at 10:26 AM.
