YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Editor's note: WCNC Charlotte is choosing to use these mugshots because of the charges involved.
The Rock Hill Police Department says a pair of men are now facing charges after an armed robbery and chase in the Rock Hill area early Tuesday morning.
Officers said the armed robbery of a Circle K gas station on Cherry Road near Interstate 77 was reported shortly after 1 a.m. The suspects left in what was described as a silver SUV with a North Carolina license plate and plastic on the driver's side window. Minutes later, an officer spotted the vehicle near the intersection with Constitution Boulevard and tried to perform a traffic stop.
However, the department said the suspects did not stop and gave chase. Rock Hill police started following them south on Cherry Road and eventually onto McConnells Highway. The chase would also cross jurisdictions, prompting assistance from the York County Sheriff's Office, the Chester County Sheriff's Office, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
During the chase, Rock Hill police said the passenger fired several gunshots at officers. With the help of other agencies, the department said the chase finally came to an end at Church Street and Bryson Creek Drive when the suspects' SUV ran over spike strips. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Andrew Gunner Johnson of Charlotte, was taken into custody when the SUV stopped.
However, the passenger reportedly ran away. A York County K9 was used to track him to the crawl space of a nearby home. Police said 36-year-old Ronald Eugene Wilson of Staunton, Virginia was taken into custody without further incident at that point.
Wilson is now charged with armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a crime of violence, and attempted murder. Johnson is charged with failure to stop for blue lights, accessory to armed robbery, and criminal conspiracy.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.