BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A routine traffic stop in Berkeley County escalated into a multi-hour search and two arrests after deputies discovered methamphetamine and a firearm inside a vehicle near I-26 and Jedburg Road, according to Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis.
The incident began Tuesday when a deputy pulled over a vehicle for defective equipment and an improperly displayed license plate. As deputies approached, the passenger—later identified as Tyberius Ra Deas—fled into a nearby store, prompting a search effort. The driver, Steven Bruce Benton, remained at the scene, where deputies observed an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle.
A probable cause search revealed a handgun and approximately 15.2 grams of methamphetamine, the sheriff’s office said.
Additional deputies responded to locate Deas, who had fled on foot. Hours later, a tip from a concerned citizen led deputies to his location, where he was taken into custody…