WATCH: Man accused of stealing patrol car in chase argues with judge at bond hearing

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man following a multi-county chase Saturday night.

Deputies responded to the QuikTrip on Asheville Highway around 9 p.m. regarding a person reported to be experiencing a mental health episode.

The sheriff’s office said at 9:45 pm, the person, identified as 34-year-old William Waters, accessed a deputy patrol vehicle. Deputies attempted to stop Waters but were unsuccessful. Officials said one deputy was hit by the open driver’s door and was briefly dragged by the vehicle, but was not injured.

A pursuit began, which went through Spartanburg, Laurens and Newberry counties, according to officials. The pursuit ended when Waters surrendered near mile marker 60 on I-26.

Deputies said that Waters was taken into custody without further incident and transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for evaluation. He was booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center early Sunday and charged with grand larceny equal to or greater than $10,000, failure to stop for blue lights, and refusing a DUI test.

According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s (SLED) records, Waters was charged with DUI in 2014.

Officials said that during the pursuit, a deputy was involved in a crash near mile marker 53 on I-26. The deputy was extricated from the vehicle and transported by helicopter to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center out of an abundance of caution. They are expected to make a full recovery.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is handling the investigation of the collision. This incident remains under investigation.

FOX Carolina was the only station present at the bond hearing. At the bond hearing, Waters interrupted the judge multiple times and had to be removed from the room by a law enforcement officer. The judge said Waters will be held in contempt of court for 15 days with an additional $500 fine. Due to this, a bond amount has yet to be set.

Stay with FOX Carolina as we work to learn more.

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