According to reports, a man who had been pulled over for a headlight violation on the evening of July 12 climbed back into his car during the traffic stop and fled.
Tyree Montrez Kyler, 21, is being charged with speeding, violation of headlight requirements, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, cruelty to children in the second degree, and obstruction of law enforcement officers.
According to the incident report, Deputy Leo Sierra initiated the traffic stop on a black Ford Crown Victoria on I-20 near milepost 135 eastbound and contacted Kyler, who was driving.
Sierra said he smelled a distinct odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle, and asked Kyler to step out of the vehicle.
After explaining the reason for the traffic stop, Sierra asked Tyree if there was any marijuana in the vehicle.
Kyler denied having any marijuana and said he had been stopped earlier in the evening, and another deputy had removed a small “roach” that the front-seat passenger had on her person. Sierra asked Kyler to stand in front of his vehicle while he spoke with the passengers.
As Sierra walked to the passenger window to speak with the passengers, Kyler walked back toward the vehicle’s driver’s side.
According to the report, Sierra told Kyler not to get back in the vehicle multiple times and said he would be tased if he did.
Kyler ignored the warning and got back in the vehicle. As Sierra deployed the Taser, Kyler fled.
Sierra notified dispatch of a pursuit, and Deputy Matthew Cowdrey responded to assist.
Kyler drove at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, failing to yield to other vehicles, passing cars, and weaving in and out of lanes.
The chase continued eastbound on I-20 for approximately 36 miles until Kyler finally pulled over into the center median just inside the McDuffie County line near milepost 169.
Kyler exited the vehicle and surrendered with no further incident. Deputies found a Glock 23 pistol with an extended magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition in the glove compartment.
Kyler told Sierra he fled because he was scared. Kyler was arrested and transported to the Morgan County Jail. The McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office courtesy-transported the passengers to the nearest exit to await pick up by family members.