The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office was involved in a police pursuit with a suspect who allegedly took their own life. RCSO reports that a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle that was reported stolen on August 30, 2024.

A pursuit was initiated and led into Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties. The Chesnee Police Department and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office assisted. RCSO says the stolen vehicle was involved in a collision but continued fleeing.

Stop sticks were used on South Carolina High 11 and helped deflate one of the rear tires. At one point, the stolen vehicle left the roadway and came to a stop. Law enforcement officers removed the driver from the vehicle before the driver was pronounced deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police believe the gunshot occurred just before the vehicle left the roadway. The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is handling the traffic part of the investigation.