Darlington County, SC — A serious incident that began with a dangerous confrontation at a gas station has led to three arrests, including a barricade situation involving special response units.
On July 19, 2025, an alarming event unfolded on West Old Camden Road in the Hartsville area of Darlington County, where a group of suspects reportedly followed a vehicle to a gas station. Once there, the suspects surrounded the victims’ vehicle and presented a firearm in a threatening manner, endangering public safety.
The confrontation prompted an official investigation, which began on July 20. Over the following days, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office made several key arrests:
- On July 30, Cody Chisholm was taken into custody and charged with Breach of Peace, High and Aggravated, and Pointing and Presenting a Firearm. He was booked into the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center and later released on a $20,000 bond set by a Darlington County Magistrate.
- The next day, July 31, Chad Freeman was arrested for Accessory After the Fact to a Felony and also booked at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center. Freeman remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing.
As the investigation continued, law enforcement identified Jason Schaefer III as another suspect in the incident. On the morning of August 4, the Darlington County Special Incident Response Team (SIRT) and agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) served warrants at a residence on Ashland Road, also in the Hartsville area.
Upon arrival, Schaefer barricaded himself inside the home, prompting a tactical response. Deputies deployed less lethal tactics to bring the situation under control and successfully took Schaefer into custody without injuries reported.
Schaefer has been charged with Pointing and Presenting a Firearm at a Person and Breach of Peace. He is currently being held at the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center, awaiting his bond hearing.
Authorities emphasize that this remains an active investigation, and additional information or charges may follow as it develops.
Residents with any knowledge related to the incident are urged to contact the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.