Police Response To Weigel’s Leads To Pursuit

Police responded to Weigel’s in Newport early Monday morning after a man threatened employees with a hammer. Weigel’s employees stated that 63 year old Russell Hargraves was upset when he could not get cashback from the business. Hargraves is said to have exited the store, but came back with a hammer and threatened an employee with it. Weigel’s did not pursue charges against Hargraves, who had left before police arrived. He was trespassed from the store.

That was not the end of that story, as Hargraves pulled out of the Weigel’s parking lot squealing his tires, which drew the attention of police responding to Weigel’s. Hargraves then led police on a pursuit up northbound Cosby Hwy at speeds over 100 mph. He ran through the traffic signal at Broadway and continues up Cosby Highway before running out of road and winding up on the railroad tracks across from Main Street. Hargraves was found to be driving under the influence, and several containers of alcoholic beverages were found in his vehicle. Police also found a Palmetto State Armory AR15 Pistol in the trunk. Hargraves is charged with Reckless Driving and Evading Arrest along with DUI and other charges.