Photo: Spartanburg Detention Center
At around 10:20 p.m. on Friday, officers attempted to perform a traffic stop on Highway 14 in Greenville,Fox Carolinareports.
Shortly after, a chase ensued as the driver, who has been identified as Imhotep Osiris Norman, allegedly refused to stop, according to the outlet.
Officers trailed behind Norman, 26, for quite some time – eventually leading them onto I-85, Capt. Kelly Hughes toldThe Greenville News.
During the pursuit, Norman allegedly threw a large bag out of the window, which was later revealed to be filled with illegal drugs, police allege.
As police followed the car they noticed smoke coming from the undercarriage of the car before it bursted into flames,The Greenville Newsreports.
Norman then allegedly fled the vehicle on foot, according toWYFF 4.
Xena Rah’Lah Norman.Thaisha Young/ Go Fund Me
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He’s also been charged with a failure to stop for a blue light resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute amphetamine, according to Fox Carolina.
During his court hearing, Norman claimed he had no idea the car was on fire when he jumped out.
“I just know that the car wasn’t on fire when I got out the car,” Norman said according to Fox Carolina.
“I would have stayed in that car with my daughter. I would have never got out the car while the car was on fire. I seen sparks coming from under the tires when I tried to stop and I couldn’t stop at that point,” Norman said.
A lawyer for Norman could not immediately be found.
Family members of little Xena have since spoken out about her tragic death.
“I just can’t believe she’s gone so soon,” Xena’s grandmother Linda Glenn toldGreenville News. “That was my little angel.”
“We know she’s gone to heaven. That’s the one thing we know is that little angel’s gone to heaven,” Glenn said.
Glenn also spoke about how Xena’s mother, her daughter Thaisha Young, is doing.
“She’s doing the best she can,” Glenn toldGreenville News.
Young has also created aGoFundMe page.
“I am going through a rough time. I need help, anything is appreciated. Thank you!” Young wrote.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go tohttp://www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
