BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–A little more than four months after a high-speed chase resulted in the death of a motorcyclist, a Berkeley County deputy will not face any charges.
On April 19th, 2017, Deputy James Vansant attempted to stop a motorcycle operated by Robert Lee Clark, Jr. who was riding his motorcycle erratically and failed to stop for the deputy’s marked police cruiser.
This attempt to stop ultimately led to a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit lasted several minutes and, ultimately, Clark was killed after his motorcycle crashed.
Deputy Vansant was placed on administrative leave until the case could be thoroughly investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Chief Deputy Mike Cochran stated.
The findings of that investigation and the coroner’s report were provided to the Dorchester County Grand Jury. The grand jury has declined to indict Deputy Vansant on any charges.
Authorities say the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office will now complete our internal investigation and Deputy Vansant will remain on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“It is important to realize that deputies have a dangerous job. Traffic stops and domestic violence investigations are among the most dangerous and unpredictable things that they do. It’s unfortunate that a loss of life occurred in this case and both families have been impacted by this incident,” Sheriff Duane Lewis stated.
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