16-05-2025
Suspect in Clemson chase may be connected to missing man, sheriff says
PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — The Pickens County Sheriff's Office has shared more information about a suspect involved in an active police chase that occurred Thursday to Sheriff Tommy Blankenship, officials believe the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Jeremy Basquette, is connected to 68-year-old Steven Whitmire.
Whitmire went missing between late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning from his home on Whitmire Hill Road. Officials said he is around 5'7″ tall and weighs around 150 pounds, with gray hair and a gray goatee.
The chase involving Basquette began around 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. South Carolina Highway Patrol said the Central Police Department was in pursuit of a 2005 Honda Accord traveling west on Highway 93.
The car then attempted to exit on Highway 76 when the vehicle went off the left side of the road, down an embankment and overturned.
Basquette had a gunshot wound to the head, which officials said was self-inflicted. An autopsy for Basquette occurred today, but no new details are available at this time.
Anyone with information regarding Whitmire's whereabouts is asked to call the Pickens County Sheriff's Office at (864) 898-5500.
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