Savannah Hwy. fatalities identified

Coroner Margaret Fisher has identified 2 individuals who died as a result of a motor vehicle collision that occurred in the 1700 block of Savannah Highway (U.S. Hwy 321) Dec. 3.

According to Coroner Fisher, Ronald C. Bolin, 71, and James F. Gleaton, 73, both of Neeses, were pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the collision.

Bolin and Gleaton were travelling in the same vehicle, driven by Bolin, when an oncoming vehicle crossed the center line, resulting in a head-on collision. Bolin and Gleaton were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The driver of the other vehicle was transported to an area hospital. The condition of that individual is unknown at this time.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the collision.

Out-of-town traffic fatality identified

A West Columbia man killed in a 2-car accident in Fairfield County Dec. 3 has been identified.

Mark Wakefield, 43, died after a car accident at the intersection of SC Highway 34 and Smallwood Road, according to Fairfield County Coroner Chris Hill.

Wakefield was taken to the hospital where he later died to due to his injuries, WACH Fox news reported.

Troopers say Wakefield hit a 2017 Chevy van on the passenger side while driving in his Acura SUV. The van was trying to crossover SC Highway 34 from Smallwood Road.

Dixiana fire damages home

A home was heavily damaged by fire in the Dixiana portion of the county Dec. 4.

The home was on Miranda Drive in the Belle Meade subdivision of Charleston Hwy. near the Hwy. 321 south split.

Shortly before 4:30 pm, fire trucks from southern Lexington County responded to the blaze, Paul Kirby of the Lexington Ledger reported.

The house sustained heavy damage from the flames, smoke, and water.

The family who lived there was displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

The cause of the fire has not been determined and there has been no estimate of the damages to the home at this time.

Swansea police arrest stolen Jeep driver

Swansea Police officers recovered a stolen Jeep, burglary tools, drug paraphernalia, a gun and methamphetamine Friday, WLTX reported.

Police discovered a stolen Jeep traveling on US 321 near SC 6 on Friday, Dec. 6 near midnight.

The driver fled from police, reaching speeds up to 120 mph.

Gaston Police assisted by placing stop sticks flattening 3 of the tires.

The pursuit lasted 18 miles and ended inside the complex of the Cayce Rock Quarry where the driver, Jesse Spearman, was taken into custody, WLTX reported.

Spearman was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, failure to stop for blue lights, possession of meth 3rd offense, felony in possession of a firearm, driving under suspension 3rd offense, habitual offender, possession of burglary tools, drug paraphernalia, and open liquor violation.