Fleeing Suspect Crashes Into Two Vehicles During Police Chase Near Benedict St in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC (June 27, 2026) – Three people were hurt after a police pursuit ended in a crash in Columbia. The crash occurred on Friday afternoon, June 26, near Benedict Street and Farrow Road.

Richland County deputies attempted to pull over 34-year-old Akeem Campbell after he failed to signal at an intersection. When Campbell did not stop after deputies activated their lights, a pursuit began. Campbell then crashed into two other vehicles before fleeing on foot and being apprehended by a police K-9.

Two bystanders were taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Campbell was treated for dog bites before being booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on charges including failure to stop for blue lights, reckless driving, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

We hope both bystanders make full and smooth recoveries.

Can Crash Victims Sue a Fleeing Suspect After a Police Chase in Columbia, SC?

Yes, those hurt in a crash caused by a suspect fleeing from police can pursue a civil personal injury claim against that driver, and the resulting criminal charges do not eliminate this separate civil legal option.

Under South Carolina law, a driver who flees from law enforcement and causes a crash while doing so can be held liable for the resulting injuries to innocent bystanders, as this type of conduct represents a clear violation of traffic laws committed with conscious disregard for the safety of others on the road. 

When a fleeing suspect strikes multiple vehicles during a pursuit, each affected driver or occupant typically has an independent claim based on their own specific injuries and vehicle damage, even though all the harm stemmed from the same chain of events.

Establishing the at-fault driver's full financial responsibility may require looking beyond just their personal auto insurance, particularly if questions arise about whether that coverage is sufficient to address all of the injuries and damage caused across multiple vehicles during the pursuit.

For those hurt as innocent bystanders in a police chase, documenting the connection between their injuries and the crash becomes especially important, as does preserving any available evidence about the sequence of events leading up to the collision.

Witness accounts, any video footage from the chase, and the official police report detailing the pursuit will all likely play important roles in establishing what happened. An attorney may be able to help those hurt identify all applicable insurance coverage, gather evidence relevant to the chase and resulting crash, and ensure that any resolution reached reflects the full scope of their injuries and losses.

Knowing what kinds of compensation are available can help you move forward with your recovery if you were injured in a collision in Columbia or anywhere else in Richland County.

For guidance, you can contact The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 310-4645 to speak with our car accident attorneys. We’re here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Note: This post has been prepared using information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact The Arndt Law Firm so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Any photographs included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual scene of the accident.