Chester County, SC – A high-speed chase on Highway 9 Monday afternoon led to the arrest of two people after deputies say a driver refused to stop for a traffic violation and sped through downtown Chester.
According to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit began around 3:23 p.m. on December 29, 2025, when deputies attempted a traffic stop on a westbound vehicle traveling between Richburg and Chester. The driver, identified as Dawson Gainey, 25, allegedly fled the scene, reaching speeds of more than 100 mph.
Deputies deployed a tire deflation device near the intersection of Highway 9 and the J.A. Cochran Bypass. Despite the tires being deflated, officials said the vehicle continued toward downtown Chester before deputies intervened on Highway 9-Pinckney Road.
Gainey and passenger Hayleigh Holland were taken into custody and transported to the Chester County Detention Center.
Deputies charged Gainey with driving under suspension (1st offense), failure to stop for blue lights, possession of fentanyl (3rd offense), possession of methamphetamine (3rd offense), and active warrants out of Lancaster County for a prior grand larceny case. Holland was charged with possession of methamphetamine (3rd offense) and possession of fentanyl (3rd offense).
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that reckless and dangerous driving “will not be tolerated in Chester County.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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