Executive Summary
- Enaj B. Vasconcellos, 21, died in a crash involving a stolen 2022 Chevy Malibu.
- The vehicle was stolen from a DoorDash driver who left it running at a gas station.
- OnStar tracking assisted deputies, but a remote shutdown attempt was unsuccessful.
- The pursuit ended when the suspect struck a Subaru SUV on Nexton Parkway.
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — A high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle ended in a fatal collision on Nexton Parkway, resulting in the death of the suspect and injuries to another motorist. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident, which occurred on January 30, originated with the theft of an unattended delivery vehicle.
According to the incident report, the sequence of events began when a DoorDash driver left a 2022 Chevy Malibu running and unlocked at a Mr. Fuel station on North Main Street while collecting an order. Upon returning, the driver discovered the vehicle was missing.
Law enforcement utilized OnStar technology to track the stolen vehicle to a Parker’s Kitchen on Cane Bay Boulevard in Summerville. The report states that the vehicle was subsequently driven to a McDonald’s on State Road, where deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Investigators noted that an attempt by OnStar to remotely shut down the engine was unsuccessful.
The driver, identified as 21-year-old Enaj B. Vasconcellos of Summerville, reportedly fled the scene, leading deputies on a pursuit. The chase concluded when Vasconcellos collided with a 2018 Subaru SUV and a light pole. Authorities reported that the impact caused the vehicle to catch fire.
Deputies attempted to extinguish the flames and administer life-saving measures, but Vasconcellos was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Subaru sustained injuries in the crash.
Investigative Outlook
This incident highlights the intersection of modern vehicle telematics and law enforcement pursuit protocols. While OnStar tracking facilitated the location of the suspect, the failure of the remote shutdown feature underscores the technological variables inherent in high-speed interventions. Furthermore, the initial theft draws attention to the public safety risks associated with leaving vehicles unsecured and running, a practice which frequently precipitates opportunistic crimes. The investigation into the mechanics of the crash and the timeline of the pursuit remains ongoing by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
