North Augusta, October 21, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident occurred in North Augusta when a police pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist ended in a fatal crash. The pursuit began after the officer clocked the rider going 83 mph in a 40 mph zone. Despite an attempt to evade the police, the motorcyclist lost control and crashed, later succumbing to his injuries at the hospital. The rider, identified as Roosevelt Walker III, had a history of warrants and an expired motorcycle license plate.
North Augusta experienced a tragic incident on Saturday night that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist following a police pursuit. The chase commenced shortly after 8:30 p.m. when a police officer observed a motorcyclist speeding at 83 mph in a 40 mph zone near St. James Street.
The officer initiated a pursuit after witnessing the excessive speed. A second police patrol was already stationed at the intersection of Edgefield Road and Edgewood Drive when the motorcyclist made a rapid U-turn. Following the U-turn, the motorcyclist accelerated northbound, reaching speeds of 90 mph and potentially exceeding 100 mph, making the chase last less than a minute over a distance of approximately 0.8 miles.
As the pursuit approached Belvedere-Clearwater Road, the motorcyclist swerved to avoid another vehicle, lost control, and crashed. Law enforcement officers on the scene immediately provided medical attention and noted a strong odor of alcohol on the driver, later identified as 46-year-old Roosevelt Walker III.
Walker was transported to Wellstar MCG Health hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after 11 p.m. It was reported that Walker had three active warrants from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety for identity theft, speeding, and driving with a suspended license. Additionally, his motorcycle had an expired license plate that did not match the vehicle.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation into the incident. Walker had a documented history of arrests, including offenses related to weapons, assault, and domestic violence. Despite this, family members described him as a loving husband and devoted father, encouraging the community to celebrate his life.
Key Details of the Incident
- Time of Incident: Just after 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Edgefield Road at Belvedere-Clearwater Road, North Augusta
- Initial Speed: 83 mph in a 40 mph zone
- Top Speed During Chase: Over 90 mph, potentially exceeding 100 mph
- Length of Pursuit: Less than a minute, approximately 0.8 miles
- Identified Driver: Roosevelt Walker III, 46 years old
- Injuries: Walker died shortly after 11 p.m. at Wellstar MCG Health hospital
- Active Warrants: Three active warrants for identity theft, speeding, and driving with a suspended license
- Motorcycle License Plate: Expired and mismatched
Background Context
The investigation into the events surrounding Roosevelt Walker III’s death follows a pattern of reckless driving and prior arrests, totaling a concerning history that includes both traffic violations and more serious offenses. The incident, while highlighting the dangers associated with high-speed pursuits, also raises questions regarding the circumstances leading to Walker’s actions and the community’s response to his life and legacy.
FAQs
What led to the police pursuit of the motorcyclist?
A police officer initiated a pursuit after observing the motorcyclist traveling at 83 mph in a 40 mph zone near St. James Street.
What happened to the motorcyclist in the chase?
The motorcyclist, identified as Roosevelt Walker III, lost control of his motorcycle after swerving to avoid another vehicle and crashed.
What were the circumstances of Roosevelt Walker III’s death?
Walker was transported to Wellstar MCG Health hospital, where he died from his injuries shortly after 11 p.m.
Did Roosevelt Walker III have any active warrants?
Yes, he had three active warrants from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety for identity theft, speeding, and driving with a suspended license.
What was significant about Walker’s motorcycle?
Walker’s motorcycle was found to have an expired license plate that did not match the vehicle.
Who is investigating the incident?
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | North Augusta, Edgefield Road at Belvedere-Clearwater Road |
| Initial Speed | 83 mph |
| Top Speed Achieved | Exceeding 100 mph |
| Length of Pursuit | ~0.8 miles |
| Injuries and Death | Walker died shortly after 11 p.m. at Wellstar MCG Health hospital |
| Active Warrants | Identity theft, speeding, driving with a suspended license |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Motorcycle Crash in North Augusta Results in Fatality
Fatal High-Speed Police Pursuit in North Augusta
Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of North Augusta Man
Tragic Weekend in Aiken County as Two Fatal Accidents Occur
Tragic Motorcycle Crash Claims Life in Aiken County
Motorcycle Crash in Aiken County Claims Life
Tragic Series of Motorcycle Accidents in Aiken County
Tragic Car Crash Claims Life of 16-Year-Old in Aiken County
Tragic Traffic Collision Claims Young Life in Aiken County
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Motorcyclist dies after pursuit ends in crash
- WJBF: Motorcycle chase in North Augusta ends in crash
- The Augusta Press: North Augusta motorcyclist dies while fleeing cops
- Augusta Chronicle: North Augusta motorcycle gang member sentenced
- Wikipedia: Police chase
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
