On Monday morning, Stallings Police Department officers and Union County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Sumter, South Carolina. The driver, identified as 16-year-old Jamari Wells, was already on probation and wearing an ankle monitor for three counts of attempted murder out of South Carolina.

During the attempted stop, Wells fled at high speeds, leading deputies on a pursuit. While actively fleeing, Wells used the stolen vehicle to ram two UCSO patrol cars, deliberately assaulting the deputies who were working to bring the pursuit to a safe and swift conclusion. Fortunately, none of the law enforcement personnel involved in the pursuit were injured.

After crashing into the patrol vehicles, Wells fled on foot into a nearby apartment complex, where he was apprehended after a brief foot chase.

Wells was charged as an adult with several motor vehicle offenses, including Felony Flee to Elude and two counts of Hit and Run. Wells was charged via juvenile petitions with two counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon on Law Enforcement, and one count of Resist, Delay, and Obstruct.

A secured custody order was issued by the Department of Juvenile Justice, and Wells remains in custody at a local juvenile detention facility. Due to Wells’ age, his photograph cannot be made public.

Sheriff Cathey and Stallings Police Chief Franks are grateful for the swift coordination between Stallings PD officers and UCSO deputies, whose actions helped prevent further danger to the public.