Allred (Courtesy of MCSO)
BENNETTSVILLE — The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in a vehicle pursuit that entered Marlboro County, according to MCSO officials.
Richmond County authorities reported that the pursuit was related to illegal narcotics. The chase entered Marlboro County on Highway 1 and terminated at the intersection of Highway 15/401 bypass and Cottingham Boulevard, according to MCSO.
Reports state the driver exited the vehicle and fled, but was apprehended shortly thereafter by a Bennettsville police officer. A female passenger jumped from the vehicle while the pursuit was passing through the Grove Park area of Bennettsville, suffering minor injuries that were treated by EMS personnel, they said.
The driver, identified as Keith Allred, has been charged with failure to stop for blue lights and siren, as well as driver’s license violations, officials said.
Allred was transported to the Marlboro County Detention Center, where bond will be set at a later date, pending extradition to Richmond County, North Carolina, to face additional charges. The vehicle was impounded by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
“A collaborative effort resolved a dangerous situation,” said a MCSO spokesperson. “Narcotics were removed from circulation, and all individuals involved returned home safely. Ultimately, this was a successful outcome for law enforcement.”
MCSO Sheriff Larry McNeil released the following statement:
“To the citizens of Marlboro County, I am addressing you today regarding the vehicle pursuit that transpired last night. This incident originated in North Carolina and subsequently entered our jurisdiction, presenting a perilous situation for all parties involved.
“North Carolina authorities initiated the pursuit in connection with pending drug-related charges. As law enforcement officials, we meticulously weighed our options to ensure a safe and successful resolution. As sheriff, it is my inherent duty to guarantee the safety and well-being of all citizens within this county, and I was resolute in my commitment not to compromise this responsibility. Our deputies exercised judicious caution, taking into account the presence of innocent bystanders, and I have every confidence in the exemplary handling of the situation by Chief Deputy Larry Turner and Sergeant Jacob Taylor.
The Bennettsville Police Department provided outstanding assistance once the pursuit entered their municipality. I acknowledge that such incidents can prove to be traumatic experiences for those who witness them. Decisions are made within a matter of seconds, and not everyone will concur with them.
Fortunately, the outcome was successful, with only minor injuries reported, and I attribute this to the effective collaboration among all agencies involved. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the prompt response of EMS to the individual who jumped from the vehicle, as well as the invaluable assistance provided by the SC Highway Patrol. As your sheriff, my door is always open for constructive dialogue.”