LPD: Man killed trying to evade traffic stop

A man Laurens Police say was fleeing from officers during an attempted traffic stop early Sunday morning was killed in a single-car crash on South Harper Street Extension.

The deceased was identified as Ealwinne Richard, 30, of Clinton. A passenger in the 2020 Chevrolet Spark sedan driven by Ealwinne was injured and flown by helicopter to Prisma Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A statement from the Laurens Police Department said officers tried pulled over the Spark around 1:25 a.m. after suspecting the driver of being impaired, but Richard reportedly attempted to flee instead.

LPD said the pursuit was brief, but the passenger in the vehicle began discarding narcotics and a firearm, which were recovered after the chase.

According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway, the Spark drove off the left side of the road while evading officers on South Harper Extension near Burnt Mill Creek Road, about two miles south of Laurens.

The Spark then struck a tree and flipped over multiple times, Ridgeway said.

“This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving,” said Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland. “Our officers acted swiftly to protect the public, and we extend our thoughts to those affected. We will continue working closely with state authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.”

The investigation by the SCHP is ongoing.