by GRAY COURT, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) Dubbed “Bonnie and Clyde wannabes,” Joshua Harvey and Rosie Smith were taken into custody on Monday following a high-speed pursuit by the South Carolina Laurens County Sheriff’s Office. The suspects led deputies on two separate chases before being apprehended.
Around nine a.m., while on a routine patrol through the Gray Court area, deputies noticed a black Honda sedan driven by Harvey. This is when the incident started. The deputies began a traffic stop after they saw the car swerving across lanes and speeding. But Harvey was said to have refused to comply, which led to a chase.
After the pursuit approached the border with Greenville County, the decision was made to end it. Nevertheless, deputies were checking in on the morning’s incident near Harvey’s home later that afternoon at about 2:45 p.m. That is when they saw the same car, now covered in white paint, speeding along.
Once again, the deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but Harvey and Smith refused to pull over. Finally, on Interstate 385, authorities could turn off the car, ending the dangerous chase.
During the pursuit, the suspects had four animals inside the car: a dog, a cat, and chickens. Animal control officers were promptly called to remove the distressed animals safely.
As of now, Harvey has been formally charged with failure to stop, while Smith faces a litany of charges, including failure to stop, driving under the influence (DUI), ill-treatment of animals, driving with a suspended license, operating an unregistered vehicle, and a seatbelt violation. However, additional charges are still pending.
Sheriff Don Reynolds expressed his gratitude to the deputies involved: “These Bonnie and Clyde wannabes have tried to make fleeing from law enforcement a habit, but eventually your luck runs out… I am thankful for a safe conclusion.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of evading law enforcement and the consequences that await individuals who choose to do so. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office has successfully ended these two individuals’ reckless actions, ensuring the community’s safety.
