By Mike McCombs
The Island News
A Beaufort County Animal Services call to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) for an escort while responding to animal complaint last week turned into something bigger.
Sheriff’s deputies were “there to assist animal control in checking on some animals that may have had some improper care” at the Burton home of 25-year-old Jonas Washington, said BCSO spokesperson Maj. Angela Viens.
Washington, who faces faces charges for Possession of a Weapon in the Commission of a Violent Crime, Kidnapping, Larceny, and Burglary, had been released on bond. However, deputies were aware he also faces and out-of-state warrant for Burglary.
According to Viens, when deputies arrived, Washington fled in a car driven by his sister. Deputies pursued, and eventually, Washington exited the car and fled into a home on Castle Rock Road.
It was initially unclear if Washington knew the home owners. Believing Washington to be armed, the BCSO called in the SWAT team.
“SWAT was called in because there was a likelihood he was armed because of what officers observed,” Viens said. “It was safer to take him into custody with a tactical response.”
Eventually, Washington surrendered. He was charged with Fleeing to Evade Arrest and Trespassing and is again confined in the Beaufort County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
