Assault suspect crashes car in Lee County cornfield in pursuit by Sumter deputies

Daniel Frank McLeod, 44, of Manning Road in Sumter, was arrested Sunday, April 6, after leading Sumter County Sheriff's Office deputies on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a cornfield in Lee County, according to SCSO Public Information Officer Mark Bordeaux.

Sumter County Dispatch received a report on Sunday afternoon of an assault in progress on Jerry Street. As deputies responded, a vehicle matching the suspect’s description passed them on the highway. Deputies attempted a traffic stop using emergency lights and sirens, but the driver, later identified as McLeod, failed to stop and led deputies into Lee County before crashing into a cornfield.

McLeod was taken into custody at the scene and transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital for medical treatment. Upon his release, he was served with multiple arrest warrants and booked into Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.

McLeod faces two counts of first-degree assault and battery related to the Jerry Street incident, as well as charges of failure to stop for blue lights and reckless driving from Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. He is being held on bonds totaling $49,087.50.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office has also issued warrants charging McLeod with third-degree assault and battery and throwing bodily fluids by a prisoner.