In the early morning hours of September 12, 2017 Corporal A. J. Miller was passing through the west side of Charleston and was almost struck by a dark colored Toyota Corolla as it ran a stop sign near Mary C. Snow Elementary School. He activated his emergency lights and siren and pursued the vehicle through the west side into North Charleston where the vehicle turned onto a dead-end street near 29th Street.
As the vehicle was still moving the driver exited the car and ran. The front passenger and a back seat passenger also fled as the vehicle struck a parked car. Cpl. Miller chased them on foot as they jumped fences. He caught one of the passengers who fought until he was handcuffed. He was identified as Jackie Sebastian Harper (24 years old of Elkview, WV) and was subsequently charged with fleeing on foot and resisting arrest. On his person was a small bag containing more than $18,000.
Officers from Charleston Police Department and other Deputy Sheriffs arrived to assist, and attempted to find the other two who fled from the car. The vehicle is believed to be involved in an incident elsewhere in Charleston prior to the pursuit initiated by Cpl. Miller. Firearms and drugs were located in the vehicle, as well as other evidence. Charleston Police Detectives and detectives from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate.
As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Harper are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.