Suspect on the run after Columbia car chase

The search has been called off for a dangerous suspect who is on the loose after a high-speed car chase in west Columbia Friday night.

Around 7:45 p.m., Boone County Sheriff’s deputies began to pursue a car near Chapel Hill and Fairfiew roads. Deputies say there were attempting to find the suspects involved in an “earlier incident,” but would not disclose what that incident was.

The suspect vehicle did not stop for deputies and they requested help from the Columbia Police Department.

According to emergency dispatchers, the suspect’s vehicle approached speeds of 80 mph at one time. Dozens of officers were involved in the chase and authorities set down spike strips along Scott Boulevard.

The suspect’s car later crashed after hitting spike strips near the intersection of Yorkshire Drive and West Broadway.

The driver and passenger fled the car after it stopped, but the passenger was taken into custody almost immediately.

Darold Dewayne Pruitt, Jr., 21, of Columbia, was arrested on charges of distribution of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and resisting arrest.

Deputies found small bags of controlled substances, a stolen handgun, and a large sum of cash in Pruitt’s possession.

The driver, who law enforcement told ABC 17 News at the scene was dangerous, was not found after an hours-long search. Deputies have not released the driver’s name.

Authorities used K-9 units to assist in the search behind Shakespeare’s West for a man dressed in all black.

It is not known what the suspect is wanted for, but initial reports from emergency dispatchers were that the suspect had warrants for assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

Stay with ABC 17 News and abc17news.com for the latest on this developing story.