Dorchester County, SC – A high-speed pursuit that spanned several South Carolina counties ended dramatically Friday morning when a wanted man allegedly leapt from the Santee Bridge into Lake Marion in an attempt to escape deputies.
According to the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, when deputies observed Christopher James Lynch, 43, who was wanted on multiple active violent warrants. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, Lynch allegedly fled, initiating a pursuit that traveled through Dorchester, Orangeburg, and Clarendon counties.
The chase concluded on Interstate 95 near the Santee Bridge, where Lynch reportedly collided with an 18-wheeler attempting to avoid the pursuit. Officials said he then exited his vehicle and jumped into Lake Marion before being taken into custody without further incident.
No bystanders were injured, according to Sheriff Sam Richardson, who described the event as a “violent suspect doing everything possible to escape law enforcement.” Richardson added, “Our commitment to keeping Dorchester County safe is unwavering.”
Lynch now faces several charges, including Failure to Stop for Blue Lights, in addition to his outstanding warrants. He remains in custody at the L.C. Knight Detention Center.
Multiple agencies assisted, including the Holly Hill Police Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and Clarendon County EMS.
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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