Police identify driver accused of fleeing Isle of Palms traffic stop, causing crash

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities identified a woman accused of fleeing a traffic stop before colliding with another vehicle Wednesday night.

Sgt. Matt Storen with the Isle of Palms Police Department said Aaliyah Deja Smith, 24, of Elgin, was taken into custody shortly before 9:00 p.m.

Smith was driving a white Hyundai sedan that was pulled over for speeding on the Isle of Palms Connector; however, police said she drove off from the scene.

Isle of Palms police did not pursue the vehicle due to department policy. But officers did initiate a “BOLO,” or be on the lookout, to surrounding agencies.

Sgt. Storen said Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center received a report of a crash at the Isle of Palms Connector and Rifle Range Road at 8:48 p.m. He said the vehicle involved matched that of the vehicle that fled officers.

Smith was positively identified as the driver of the Hyundai. She is charged with one count of driving under suspension for DUI, one count of failure to stop for blue lights/siren, and an additional charge of driving under the influence, a second offense, pending the results of a blood draw.

A spokesperson for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said the crash resulted in non-life-threatening injuries for both drivers involved.