BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A 35-year-old man is facing a long list of charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous high-speed chase that ended in a deadly crash near Moncks Corner late Saturday night.
Initial Incident and Pursuit
Eric Gerard Parrilla, 35, was reportedly involved in a physical assault incident at the Walmart in Moncks Corner, prompting a response from the Moncks Corner Police Department and Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office around 10 p.m. Saturday. As officers arrived, Parrilla was seen fleeing the scene in a silver Mercedes SUV.
Deputies attempted to pull him over, but Parrilla refused to stop, initiating a high-speed pursuit down North Highway 52 and onto North Live Oak Drive.
Deadly Crash and Arrest
According to Sheriff Duane Lewis, the chase ended when Parrilla’s vehicle crashed into an Infiniti SUV at the intersection of North Live Oak Drive and Highway 6. One person in the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene, and another sustained serious injuries.
Parrilla attempted to flee on foot following the crash but was captured shortly after by pursuing deputies.
“This dangerous act could have been avoided if the suspect pulled over and faced the consequences of his actions,” said Sheriff Lewis. “Together, we acted quickly to apprehend a dangerous individual who was a threat to the community.”
Drugs, Weapons, and Evidence Seized
During the investigation, deputies recovered:
- Over one pound of marijuana
- Two firearms
- Three cellphones for further investigative use
Parrilla was found to be a felon in possession of firearms, and the weapons were reportedly in the vehicle during the commission of a violent crime as per Live5News.
Charges Filed Against Parrilla
Parrilla faces multiple charges from three different law enforcement agencies:
From Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office:
- Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- Two counts: Felon in possession of a firearm
- Two counts: Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Resisting arrest
From South Carolina Highway Patrol:
- Failure to stop for blue lights resulting in death
- Failure to stop for blue lights resulting in great bodily injury
- Felony DUI with great bodily injury
- Felony DUI resulting in death
From Moncks Corner Police Department:
- Third-degree assault and battery
Ongoing Investigation and Custody
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash itself. Parrilla has been booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center, where he remains in custody.
Community Impact and Safety Message
This incident has left a family grieving and a community shaken. Sheriff Lewis emphasized the importance of cooperation during traffic stops and the risks of reckless fleeing behavior, which can result in preventable tragedies.
What are your thoughts on this tragic event? Drop your comments below as the investigation continues to unfold.
