By Amanda Spence
YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Two suspects took deputies on a tense 90-minute-long pursuit, which included a suspect throwing stolen plywood out the back of a U-Haul moving van.
While on patrol, York County deputies spotted two individuals loading plywood into a U-Haul at a construction site, according to WCNC. After being stopped by law enforcement, the suspects drove off, which prompted the hour-and-a-half-long pursuit.
According to a press release, one of the suspects, Willie Bailey, 63, threw stolen plywood from the back of the U-Haul as an officer pursued. The incident finally ended when Bailey and an unidentified driver ran off into an apartment complex in North Carolina.
“Lumber thefts from construction sites is an ongoing crime trend here in York County,” Sheriff Kevin Tolson said. “A message to those who are stealing lumber, know our deputies are looking for you and we will stop you.”
Bailey was taken into custody and the other suspect remains at large. Deputies found 50 sheets of plywood, along with several boxes of hurricane brackets. In total, there was more than $5,000 worth of plywood confiscated, WCNC reported. Bailey is being charged with first-degree assault and battery, along with grand larceny and criminal conspiracy.
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