Florence County, SC – A late-night traffic stop in Florence County escalated into a multi-county pursuit and narcotics arrest after a trailer detached from a fleeing vehicle, according to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday after noticing a trailer being pulled with a utility strap and no illuminated taillights on North Cashua Drive in Florence. When blue lights and siren were activated, the driver allegedly accelerated onto West Lucas Street and fled at a high rate of speed into Darlington County.
Deputies reported that during the pursuit, the trailer became detached from the vehicle. Authorities also stated that occupants inside the vehicle allegedly threw items from the windows that were later believed to be illegal narcotics.
As the pursuit continued into Marlboro County, deputies used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle. According to authorities, the driver, later identified as Mitchell Shane Atkinson, allegedly refused commands to exit, requiring deputies to forcibly remove him from the vehicle.
Inside the vehicle, deputies reported finding a bag containing suspected narcotics along with tools including grinders, drills, pliers, flathead screwdrivers, and other items commonly associated with breaking into property.
Both Atkinson and a passenger, Travis Randall Mills, were taken into custody. Deputies stated that Atkinson had outstanding warrants with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office for distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Investigators allege he sold illegal narcotics to an undercover informant between October 1 and October 31, 2024.
Atkinson, 44, of Effingham, was arrested Thursday and charged with multiple offenses, including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin/fentanyl distribution, reckless driving, failure to stop for blue lights, leaving the scene of an accident, and habitual offender violations. He is being held at the Florence County Detention Center on a $9,000 surety bond pending a bond hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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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