West Pelzer Police Department reported a speeding incident which ended in a car crash in Pelzer while another traffic stop resulted locating a juvenile missing from Indiana. Among incidents investigated were the following:
Oct. 2 – Tyler Dean McConnell, 43, was arrested for manner of driving (speeding), no S. C. driver’s license, failure to stop on command and seat belt violation after a white Kia Optima was observed traveling 50 mph in a 35 mph zone on Hwy. 8. When a traffic stop was attempted, the vehicle continued to accelerate and passed several vehicles on a double yellow line, disregarding the red light at Hwy. 20 and Hwy. 8, and continued to accelerate. The vehicle then over-corrected after avoiding a collision, left the roadway and struck a business sign, went airborne, struck a concrete embankment and went through a telephone pole. The vehicle came to rest on the old Pelzer mill property near the bridge.
McConnell then attempted to exit and flee the collision site at which point Chief Brewer drew his service weapon and ordered him to lay on the ground. He was handcuffed and checked by paramedics at the scene. He refused to go to the hospital, claiming no injury and was transported to ACDC. McConnell was on probation with the state of SC and had outstanding warrants in Georgia.
Sept. 1- Four people including a 16 year old juvenile were arrested following a civil dispute in the parking lot at 20 Marguerite Street.
According to reports, Amanda Johnston and Mandy Ashley were involved in a verbal altercation which turned physical. According to reports, Ashley stated Albert Joseph Niemczyk hit her 16 year old daughter who was attempting to break up the fight. Neimczyk stated he was attempting to intercede on behalf of his wife, Johnston. He stated he observed the minor kick his wife in the head as the original two were involved in a physical altercation.
The adults were issued a courtesy summons for disorderly conduct. Paperwork for the Department of Juvenile Justice was done for the juvenile, who was turned over to the care of her aunt.
Sept. 4 – Terri Lynn Lockaby, 46, was arrested for manner of driving and no driver’s license after a white Chevrolet sedan was observed turning right on red from Hwy. 8 to Hwy. 20 where there was a sign posted “no turn on red”.
Sept. 5 – Jorge Esau Francisco Martin, 17, was arrested for no driver’s license and found to be a missing juvenile from Indiana.
According to reports, a white Pontiac with a paper tag was observed turning from into the townhall parking lot and then down a grave service road behind town hall. Martin was arrested and transported to ACDC. A. Eliopoulos was reporting officer.
Sept. 7 – John Wesley Smith, 22, was arrested for driving under suspension after a multi colored Buick Park Avenue was observed on Main St. with a diver known to have a suspended license. The license plate for the vehicle was also suspended for loss of insurance. An open “Fireball” whiskey container was found in the passenger seat along with15 open whiskey containers in the vehicle.
Smith received citations for possession of a suspended tag, driving under suspension, operating an uninsured vehicle and open container. He was issued a courtesy summons and the vehicle was towed. C. Brewer reporting officer.
Sept. 10 – Larry Shane Cuningham, 42, was arrested for outstanding warrant at 26 River St., in Pelzer. C. Brewer, A. Eliopoulos made the arrest.
Sept. 15 – Jason Edward Gwinn, 38, was arrested for no vehicle license, driving under suspension, and operating uninsured vehicle after a gold Honda Odyssey was observed with a tag barely attached to a vehicle it did not match.
Sept. 15 – Sean Stephen Leech, 28, was arrested for manner of driving, seat belt and no SC driver’s license after a black Mitsubishi Lancer was observed travelling 50 mph in a 35 mph zone on Hwy. 8 near Gray Mortuary. C. Brewer investigated.
Sept. 16 – Adiel Didier Gonzalez Santizo was arrested for speeding after a gray Honda Civic was observe travelling 50 mph in a 35 mph zone on Main St. (Hwy. 8)
