Lexington, SC – A Lexington man is facing multiple charges after stealing a patrol vehicle and leading authorities on a high-speed chase across several counties Monday night.
Kevin Romero, 22, has been charged with grand larceny, failure to stop for blue lights, and reckless driving, according to arrest warrants issued following the incident.
“A deputy responded to a civil dispute on the 3400 block of Augusta Road,” said Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. “Romero, armed with a bat, initially refused to comply with the deputy’s commands to drop the weapon.”
Sheriff Koon explained that Romero, who was already wanted by multiple law enforcement agencies in the Midlands, became uncooperative during the encounter, keeping his hands in his pockets and revealing he had a knife. After the deputy removed the knife, Romero began to resist arrest.
“As the deputy tried to detain Romero, a struggle ensued, moving toward the patrol vehicle,” Koon said. “During the altercation, Romero managed to get into the driver’s seat of the patrol car. The deputy attempted to use his Taser but was unsuccessful in preventing Romero from driving away.”
Romero fled in the stolen patrol vehicle, prompting a pursuit. A passerby offered assistance to the deputy, and together they followed Romero until backup arrived. The chase ended when Romero crashed the stolen vehicle on Interstate 20 near mile marker five in Aiken County.
Romero was arrested at the scene and transported to the Lexington County Detention Center. Sheriff Koon noted that additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
“This situation could have ended much worse, but thanks to the cooperation of several law enforcement agencies, no one was injured,” Koon said. Agencies involved in the pursuit included the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina Highway Patrol, Georgia State Patrol, and multiple local law enforcement departments.
Romero remains in custody as authorities continue to investigate the incident.
