Charleston Man Arrested After Police Chase Uncovers Narcotics Stash

Suspect crashed car into fence, leading to discovery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and MDMA

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:11pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a clear plastic bag containing a crystalline substance, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The discovery of a large narcotics stash during a police chase underscores the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis in Charleston.Charleston Today

A 41-year-old Charleston man was arrested on Friday after leading police on a high-speed chase that ended with him crashing his car into a chain-link fence. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and MDMA.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic and drug trafficking in the Charleston area, where law enforcement continues to make significant drug busts to curb the flow of dangerous narcotics into local communities.

The details

According to police, officers were patrolling a hotel area near Ashley Phosphate Road when they observed a car enter the North Charleston Lodge parking lot and quickly leave. The officers followed the car, which they say made an improper lane change before entering the highway. When the officers activated their emergency lights and sirens, the driver, identified as Jason Burgess Sudderth, failed to stop and led them on a chase that exited onto Aviation Avenue. Sudderth allegedly ran a red light and crashed through two chain-link fences before coming to a stop. A search of Sudderth and his vehicle uncovered a total of approximately 85 grams of a crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as over 7 grams of a white powder substance that tested positive for MDMA and fentanyl.

  • The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Jason Burgess Sudderth

A 41-year-old Charleston resident who was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute MDMA, failure to stop for blue lights, resisting arrest with a deadly weapon, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

North Charleston Police Department

The law enforcement agency that initiated the traffic stop, pursued the suspect, and made the arrest.

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What’s next

Sudderth is currently being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the proactive efforts of the North Charleston Police Department to combat the ongoing drug crisis in the region, as they work to remove large quantities of illicit substances from the streets and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.