SC police chief suffers from medical emergency before crashing, officials say
The chief of police of a Midlands law enforcement agency was among four people hospitalized following an Aug. 27 crash,caused by a medical emergency,in Richland County, South Carolina officials said.
South Congaree Police Chief Steve Jonas was involved in a two-vehicle collision, spokeswoman Ashley Hunter said in a news release. An investigation into the crash revealed that Jonas suffered an unforeseen medical event while operating his patrol vehicle, causing him to strike another vehicle after veering left from the center lane on South Beltline Boulevard in Columbia at around 6:15 p.m., Capt. Sonny Collins of the South Carolina Highway Patrol said Saturday.
Jonas was driving a Dodge Charger, that was an official police vehicle, east on South Beltline Boulevard, according to Collins. The Charger crossed the centerline and collided with a GMC Terrain SUV that was driving west on the road, Collins said.
Jonas and three people in the SUV were taken to an area hospital, according to Collins. Further information on their conditions was not available.
There was no word if anyone involved in the wreck was wearing a seat belt.
Jonas was placed on administrative leave, which Hunter said is South Congaree’s standard protocol when a collision is investigated.
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This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 11:51 AM with the headline "SC police chief suffers from medical emergency before crashing, officials say."
