Escaped Georgia Inmate Catches Fire During Pursuit, Arrest in South Carolina

An escaped inmate from Hall County, Georgia, sustained burn injuries and two deputies received minor burns after a high-speed pursuit of a stolen motorcycle ended in a crash and struggle in Westminster, South Carolina, on Monday, June 2, 2025.

At approximately 3:44 p.m., a Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) K-9 Unit deputy attempted to stop a black motorcycle. The deputy had received information that the driver, later identified as Daniel Jesse Bell, 39, of Braselton, was an escaped Hall County inmate who had cut his ankle monitor from a work release program. The motorcycle was also believed to be stolen from Hall County.

Bell fled, leading SCSO deputies on a high-speed pursuit into South Carolina, where Oconee County Sheriff’s Office (S.C.) deputies took the lead. The pursuit concluded in Westminster when Bell attempted a left turn, crashed into a power pole, and then fled on foot.

Deputies attempted to apprehend Bell, who resisted arrest and was tased. According to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Bell had gasoline on his person from the accident, and when he was tased, his shirt caught fire. Deputies immediately moved to extinguish the flames and remove his burning clothing.

Bell was taken into custody and transported by helicopter to a burn center for treatment, where he remains. Two deputies involved in the arrest received minor burns and injuries and were treated and released from Oconee Memorial Hospital. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is conducting further investigation into the cause of the fire.