Suspect Critical Following Crash While Fleeing from Columbia County Deputy

A man who was being pursued by a Columbia County Deputy minutes after a reported shoplifting incident at Kroger on Columbia Road in Martinez is now in critical condition following a serious crash this afternoon.

According to the incident report from the sheriff's office, the suspect fled from Kroger in a silver Kia Optima.  A deputy spotted the vehicle and began a pursuit headed east on Columbia Road.  Authorities say speeds ranged from 60 to 80 mph during the short chase.  As the suspect approached the curve just before Washington Road, he hit a vehicle before veering off the road.

"The suspect then continued off the roadway and struck a concrete power pole, splitting it in half.  The suspect was partially ejected through the windshield and the vehicle caught on fire," according to a news release from the sheriff's office.  The deputy pursuing the suspect pulled him out of the burning vehicle.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, was taken to Augusta University Medical Center and is reported to be in critical condition.

The intersection of Columbia and Washington Roads will remain closed for the time being, due to the downed power lines.

No other serious injuries were reported.