UPDATE: Hampton Co. Sheriff’s Office announces two arrests in Friday’s two-county chase

HAMPTON COUNTY, SC. (WTOC) - The Hampton County Sheriff’s Office says it has arrested two people after being led on a chase Friday night.

According to the sheriff’s office, a vehicle initially stopped at the checkpoint in the Varnville area near Brookwood Drive. While deputies were interacting with the occupants, deputies said they observed multiple high-capacity firearms in plain view, including a Draco-style weapon with an extended magazine next to the driver.

Deputies also said the passenger was seen holding a firearm.

The sheriff’s office said the vehicle then fled, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit that continued into Colleton County.

The driver was apprehended without further incident, according to the sheriff’s office.

That driver has been identified as Henry Keshawn Kearse Jr., 22, of Varnville. He is charged with Failure to Stop for Blue Lights, Driving under Suspension, and Operating an Uninsured Vehicle.

Authorities said the passenger got out of the vehicle and ran until he was eventually arrested.

That passenger has been identified as Craig Shondel Collins Jr., 22, of Varnville. He is charged with Resisting Arrest.

Sheriff Anthony Russell said, “Our deputies’ proactive efforts likely prevented a potentially dangerous situation from occurring, including the possibility of a shooting.”

The Hampton County Sheriff’s Office thanked Sheriff Hill and the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office for assisting during the incident. The investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available, according to the sheriff’s office.