Motorcyclist burned during LCSO traffic stop dies
A motorcyclist who was airlifted to Augusta Burn Center after being involved in an incident during a traffic stop with Laurens County Sheriff’s Office deputies in Hickory Tavern has died, according to the Laurens County Coroner’s Office.
Michael Henry Miller, 60, of Fountain Inn died at the Augusta Burn Center Tuesday, Deputy Coroner Patti Canupp said.
According to the LCSO, a motorcycle believed to have eluded LCSO deputies in an earlier attempted traffic stop was noticed by deputies when the motocycle arrived at Neely Ferry Road and Wassin Gin Road.
The case is still under investigation and an autopsy is being performed, Canupp said in a release.
The LCSO reported that the driver of the motorcycle and a passenger were being “assisted off the motorcycle” when the motorcycle overturned. Gas spilled from the tank, which had no gas cap, ignited.
According to the LCSO, Miller was burned badly before deputies could extinguish the flames and a female passenger suffered burns on her foot.
Neither the driver of the motorcycle nor the passenger have yet to be identified by the LCSO and no charges have been reported.
Brian Smith
Cross Hill man charged in thefts
A Cross Hill man was arrested Friday in connection with a series f break-ins and thefts in the Cross Hill area on April 19.
Brian Shane Smith, 32, was charged with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office with four counts of burglary, petit larceny and breaking into a motor vehicle.
According to the LCSO, Smith is charged with breaking into campers being used as residences on Watts Bridge
