61-mile chase ends in 3 arrests in Clarendon County

Sheriff says one of suspects tried to run over deputy; K-9, handler find them

Clarendon County K-9 Handler Ernie Grice works with K-9 Holmes, who is named in memory of the late Clarendon County Sheriff's Office Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr., who died in the line of duty in 2014.
Clarendon County K-9 Handler Ernie Grice works with K-9 Holmes, who is named in memory of the late Clarendon County Sheriff's Office Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr., who died in the line of duty in 2014.
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MANNING - A shoplifting incident in Manning on Saturday morning pointed Clarendon deputies to a stolen vehicle whose driver led them on a 61-mile chase that ended shortly after the driver reportedly tried to hit one of the deputies in the Wilson community of Clarendon County.

Jamie Steed Hendrix, 38; Dennis Patrick Davenport, 32, of Lexington; and Joseph Anthony Wolfinger, 39, of Prosperity were arrested on multiple charges including simple possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, ABC violation and possible additional charges at the conclusion of identifying unknown substances. Davenport, the driver of the vehicle, was also charged with driving under suspension, third offense; possession of a stolen vehicle; possession of a stolen tag; assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature; and malicious injury to property.

"The three subjects involved in the crime failed to stop for a blue light, which resulted in a 61-mile chase," Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley said. "During the chase, the driver of the car attempted to run over one of the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office deputies as he was deploying the Stinger Spike Sticks, which were used to deflate the car's tires and end the chase."

The vehicle stopped on a dirt road less than five miles east of Manning, and the three individuals fled into a nearby wooded area, the sheriff said.

The chase began on Paxville Highway and led officers down Silver Road and U.S. 15 into Summerton, then onto Annie Tindal and St. Paul roads before turning onto Buff Boulevard and then onto Interstate 95 heading north. The vehicle exited I-95 at Exit 115 and headed back into Summerton before turning onto Rev. J.W. Carter Road, then Moses Dingle Road and onto Loss Brook Road. The vehicle turned onto George Harvin Road and traveled through the Clarendon County Industrial Park before turning back onto U.S. 301 and turning back onto I-95 heading north. The vehicle exited the interstate in Alcolu and headed toward the Sumter County line. The vehicle turned around and headed back toward Manning on S.C. 521, then sped down Church Street before turning left onto East Boyce Street. The vehicle continued on S.C. 521 into the Wilson Community, where the suspects fled the vehicle after turning onto Saltcedar Lane and driving over a fence.

"Our K-9 handler Ernie Grice and his K-9 Holmes, who is named after our fallen officer Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr., along with members of our tracking team, responded within 45 minutes," Baxley said. "Upon arrival on the scene, Grice and Holmes located all the subjects in three different areas of the woods, and all three were taken into custody."

Baxley said his officers' quick response to the incident led to the arrests.

"We are certainly proud to have our professional officers and our trained K-9s on staff and for always being ready and available when they are in need," he said. "It was a job well done by our officers and K-9 Holmes."