Motorcycle pursuit ends with crash in downtown Charleston

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Officials with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office say a motorcycle pursuit on I-26 ended in a crash in downtown Charleston Wednesday evening.

Highway Patrol officials say the wreck happened in the area of King Street and the Septima Clark Parkway where authorities have closed a section of the street as troopers investigate the incident.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m., a deputy reported seeing the driver of a Honda cross rocket style motorcycle driving recklessly on I-26 near Ashley Phosphate.

"According to initial reports, the motorcyclist was observed popping wheelies on Interstate 26 in front of our deputy," CCSO officials said.

Authorities say the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the motorcyclist, however the driver refused to stop and led the deputy on a vehicle pursuit that ended when the driver exited on to King Street where he collided with a vehicle.

CCSO officials say the driver of the motorcycle was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina to be treated for serious injuries.

"Until the driver has been properly identified, criminal charges will be pending, which will include Reckless Driving and Failure to Stop for a Blue Light. As a standard practice of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, the South Carolina Highway Patrol has been requested to investigate the collision," CCSO officials said.

Motorists reported several law enforcement and fire department crews are on scene with a portion of King Street blocked off by crime scene tape.

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