Nearly a week ago, during the early morning hours of Saturday, June 10, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies arrested a 23-year-old Sumter man following a high-speed pursuit involving two motorcycles on I-20.
According to a KCSO press release issued around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, a traffic enforcement unit deputy arrested Thomas Edward Carraway, of Zachary Road, Sumter. The deputy charged Carraway, who was riding one of the motorcycles with speeding in excess of 25 mph over the speed limit, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle in violation of restrictions, possession of marijuana, no proof of insurance, driving under suspension (third offense), failure to stop for blue lights and being a habitual offender.
The press release indicated the chase started shortly after 2:30 a.m. when the traffic enforcement unit deputy monitoring traffic on I-20 near Elgin, clocked the two motorcycles traveling at 115 mph eastbound toward Florence. The deputy pulled out and attempted to stop the two men only to have them flee at a very high rate of speed.
A short time later, the second motorcyclist -- identified as Marco Lorenzo Johnson, 24, of Dalzell -- attempted to exit I-20 at U.S. 601 and wrecked.
The first deputy continued chasing Carraway, whose speed exceeded 150 mph. Carraway eventually stopped near Exit 101, allowing the deputy to arrest him without incident. After arresting Carraway, the deputy found a small quantity of marijuana under the motorcycle’s seat.
The deputy transported Carraway to the Kershaw County Detention Center where he was later released on bond. Johnson will be arrested after he recuperates from the injuries sustained in the wreck at U.S. 601.
“The public should be relieved to know that this repeat offender is already out of jail and back on the street,” Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews said of Carraway. “Maybe a little jail time would do him some good since leniency has done nothing to make him change his ways.”
According to the press release, Carraway has previously been arrested for grand larceny, criminal conspiracy, receiving stolen goods, DUI, open container, public disorderly conduct, reckless driving, driving under suspension, breach of peace, threatening the life of a public official, contempt of magistrates, court, strong arm robbery and giving false information.
