Driver Fleeing from Deputies Dies in Wreck

A driver who was fleeing from a Lexington County Sheriff's deputy died early Monday morning in a crash near Pelion, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol. 

The driver, whom the sheriff's department identified as 46-year-old Ellis Scarborough, ran off the left side of Founders Road around 1:58 a.m., Trooper Tony Keller said. His 1995 Ford Taurus hit a utility pole.

Scarborough was not wearing a seatbelt. 

Deputies tried to stop Scarborough's vehicle on Clermont Lakes Drive, Sheriff James Metts said. When Scarborough refused to stop, the patrol supervisor conducted a pursuit that ended when Scarborough crashed on Founders Lane. 

The patrol supervisor was not involved in the crash, Metts said.

Deputies had been on the lookout for Scarborough, who was wanted in connection with the assault of a 47-year-old woman, Metts said. The woman reported that Scarborough punched and kicked her in the face at her home on Clermont Lakes Drive, causing severe injuries. Deputies say he also threatened to kill her.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and Lexington County Coroner's Office are investigating the wreck.