Berkeley County deputies arrest two 18-year-olds after vehicle theft turns into armed foot pursuit, uncovering illegally altered weapons in the process

Berkeley County, South Carolina – In Berkeley County, a dramatic vehicle pursuit culminated in the arrest of two young men, Jerreil Willis and Josiah Williams, both 18 years old, after deputies intercepted a stolen vehicle last Saturday.

The incident unfolded when deputies from the K9 Unit, patrolling along College Park Road, spotted a vehicle that matched the description of one recently reported stolen in North Charleston. Adding to their suspicion, the driver was observed wearing a ski mask. As the deputies followed the vehicle, it abruptly changed lanes and pulled into a Food Lion parking lot off of College Park Road.

Upon verification that the vehicle was indeed stolen, the deputies attempted a traffic stop. However, the driver, identified as Jerreil Willis of Moncks Corner, chose to flee, igniting a high-speed chase that led into the College Park Estates. The chase came to an end on Kentucky Drive, where Willis and three others abruptly exited the vehicle.

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In a tense moment, deputies noted that Willis was holding a tan firearm as he left the driver’s seat. Meanwhile, Josiah Williams, who had been sitting in the back of the car, exited and immediately lay down on the ground. Willis attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended by a Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office K9 and its handler. During the pursuit, Willis discarded the firearm under a nearby car. Further investigation revealed the firearm had been modified from semi-automatic to fully automatic.

Deputies also discovered an AR rifle in the car next to where Williams was seated. The rifle, found to have an obliterated serial number, was spray-painted, suggesting attempts to conceal its identity.

Jerreil Willis now faces multiple charges, including failure to stop for blue lights and sirens, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a machine gun, and resisting arrest. He is currently held at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center with a bond set at $20,500. On the other hand, Josiah Williams, from Goose Creek, is charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and has been released on a $2,000 surety bond.

This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers law enforcement officers face daily while patrolling and safeguarding our communities.