Chesterfield sheriff's deputy recovering after high-speed chase, crash

CHESTERFIELD, S.C. — A high- speed chase in Chesterfield County sent a sheriff's deputy to the hospital after she lost control of her cruiser and slammed into several trees.

Lauren Brock, 27, was airlifted Friday night to a Columbia hospital.

The Dodge Charger was torn apart from the collision and by the crews who had to cut her out and get her to the helicopter.

Sheriff James Dixon said she does a lot of work in the community and called her a go-to deputy.

"She's awesome all the way around. We need something, and she's there," Dixon said.

Another deputy spotted what looked like a drug deal between two parked cars that night in the Ruby area.

One of the cars took off. The deputy followed and called Brock for back-up.

Brock was on her way to the chase when she lost control of her cruiser and spun around into several trees on Highway 109 near Mary D Road.

The chase was called off due to the risk to the public before they knew Brock was injured.

Dixon said, like other deputies in Chesterfield, they're as close as family.

"I know they're adults, but I feel responsible for them,” Dixon said. “They also feel like my kids or part of my family.”

Another officer, who also joined the chase, saw the wreck happen and was the first to find Brock injured. She suffered a severely broken leg, but her injuries weren't as serious as first thought.  The sheriff believes the design of her patrol car helped save her life.

"I know it's going to be a long road ahead of her, but she'll be back to work and that makes me feel even better," he said.

Brock was out of her hospital bed Monday morning and walked around some.

Her family didn't want to speak with reporters Monday but did release a statement.

"They greatly appreciate all of the prayers, support and encouragement received," the news release said, in part.

Deputies are still looking for the man they were chasing. They believe he may be in Darlington County.

The person who was in the car that didn't leave the scene was arrested on minor charges.

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Cox Media Group