Saturday night chase thru Walhalla

A late Saturday night police chase thru Walhalla ended when the pickup truck flipped sideways at a highway 28/Highlands Highway curve.  The incident ended with a deputy sheriff filing traffic and drug charges against the man identified as the pickup driver.  A Sheriff’s Office report shows Patrick Rowland Standridge charged with failing to stop for a blue light, driving under the influence first offense, and simple possession of marijuana.  The report, filed by officer Charles “Rashad” Crooks, states the pickup was traveling around 70 MPH in a 35 MPH zone on SC 28/the Blue Ridge Boulevard.  But, after activating his squad car’s blue lights, the truck increased its speed to 80 MPH down Walhalla’s Main Street, crossing into oncoming traffic, and nearly hitting a Walhalla police vehicle.  Public safety responders used equipment to extricate the 24-year old Standridge, but he declined the offer of medical treatment.  Crooks quoted Standridge as saying he was fine.  The suspect was then transported to the county jail.