Man sentenced to prison for North Charleston police chase

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A man who ran from North Charleston police officers during a December traffic stop was sentenced to prison Wednesday, according to the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

Michael Tyrus Jeter was sentenced to serve one year under the South Carolina Department of Corrections for failing to stop for blue lights.

Evidence presented at court states that Jeter was stopped on Dec. 30, 2024, for a tinted license plate cover.

At first, Jeter stopped at a gas station on Ashley Phosphate Road and gave his driver’s license to the police, but when he was asked to step out of the vehicle, he fled.

A chase ensued, and Jeter reached speeds over 118 mph in an attempt to evade police, the solicitor’s office said.

Officer Troy Aratan canceled the chase for safety reasons but still had Jeter’s license and registration in his possession. Aratan was found and arrested soon after.

Jeter has prior convictions for failure to stop for blue lights, voluntary manslaughter, and numerous municipal driving infractions.

Solicitor Wilson stated, “Officers of the North Charleston Police Department handled this case beautifully from start to finish. Despite the defense’s baseless insinuations and allegations, they acted professionally throughout. Our roads are dangerous enough as they are without foolish criminals adding to the mix.”

Honorable J. Derham Cole, Jr. sentenced Jeter to three years suspended to one year in prison, followed by two years probation.