South Congaree Police Chief Steven Jonas has retired from his position just weeks after being involved in a wrong-way car crash that sent multiple people to the hospital.
According to WIS 10, the Town of South Congaree confirmed Jonas' retirement in a social media announcement on Friday, following his administrative leave after an accident involving his patrol vehicle in late August.
Jonas began his career with the South Congaree Police Department in August 2002, building over two decades of service within the community. He was promoted to the role of chief in August 2024, marking the beginning of his tenure as the town’s top law enforcement official. His leadership came to an abrupt pause last month, however, after a serious traffic incident led to an internal review of his conduct.
According to officials with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash involving Jonas occurred during the evening hours of a Wednesday in late August. The impact took place on South Beltline Boulevard in Columbia, where the chief was operating his police-issued vehicle at the time of the collision. Authorities reported that his car crossed over the center line of the road and struck another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
That second vehicle was identified as a GMC Terrain SUV. As a result of the crash, three individuals in the SUV were transported to the hospital for medical treatment. The severity of their injuries was not detailed in the official statements released to the public.
Crash Results in Hospitalizations and Suspension
Following the crash, Jonas was immediately placed on administrative leave. This action, according to town officials, was part of standard protocol following such an incident involving a member of law enforcement. The leave allowed the town and relevant authorities time to begin an internal evaluation of Jonas' actions.
On Friday afternoon, the Town of South Congaree issued a public statement through a Facebook post, officially announcing Chief Jonas’ retirement. The message did not elaborate on whether the retirement was voluntary or related to the events of the August crash, but reflected gratitude for his years of service.
“We thank him for his service to our community and wish him well in his retirement,” the post read. The town did not announce a successor or interim replacement as of Friday afternoon, leaving the future leadership of the department temporarily unclear.
Longtime Service Ends Unexpectedly After Wreck
Jonas leaves the department after more than 23 years of service, the last year of which he spent as police chief. During his long-standing tenure, he held a variety of law enforcement roles before reaching the leadership position in 2024. His appointment came amidst a period of growth for the small Lexington County municipality located in central South Carolina.
The collision that led to his administrative leave occurred just one year into that role. No further information has been released by the South Carolina Highway Patrol regarding any charges filed or potential ongoing investigations. It is not currently known whether Jonas will face legal consequences or further departmental review following his resignation.
The crash has sparked concern among residents, though town officials have yet to hold a public forum or release detailed commentary beyond the brief announcement. As of now, there have been no statements from Jonas himself regarding the events, his retirement, or the condition of the individuals injured in the crash.
Community Awaits Next Steps for Police Department
With Jonas’ departure, the South Congaree Police Department enters a period of transition. It remains to be seen whether an interim chief will be appointed internally or whether the town will launch a formal search for a new department head. Until a permanent replacement is named, day-to-day operations will likely be overseen by senior department staff.
Residents and town stakeholders will be watching to see how leadership decisions will affect ongoing police operations. The department plays a pivotal role in maintaining public safety in South Congaree, a town known for its close-knit community and steady growth in recent years. Clarity from town officials may help address any uncertainty related to the department’s direction.
As of now, the Town of South Congaree has not indicated the timeline for selecting a new police chief. All eyes remain on upcoming town meetings or public statements to clarify how the transition will be managed and what impact, if any, the August crash will have on the department’s policies or operations moving forward.
