“I’ll Contact Donald Trump”: Defendant Interrupts Judge During South Carolina Bond Hearing
Spartanburg, S.C. — A South Carolina man accused of stealing a sheriff’s patrol car and leading deputies on a multi-county chase remained jailed this week after a chaotic bond hearing video spread widely online, drawing attention for his disruptive courtroom behavior and a remark about contacting Donald Trump.
Authorities say William Waters, 34, experienced a mental health crisis late Saturday night, Dec. 22, at a gas station in Spartanburg County. According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Waters jumped into an unattended patrol vehicle, dragged a deputy during his escape, and fled, triggering a pursuit that spanned multiple counties. During the chase, another deputy was injured in a crash and airlifted to a hospital, though officials said the officer is expected to recover.
Waters ultimately surrendered and was taken into custody. He faces multiple charges, including grand larceny for allegedly stealing the patrol car, failure to stop for a blue light, DUI-related charges, and several traffic violations.
During bond hearings held Monday, Dec. 22, video shows Waters repeatedly interrupting judges, refusing to sign paperwork, and arguing over court procedures. At one point, he declared that he would “contact Donald Trump if I have to,” a statement that circulated widely on social media after clips were posted to TikTok and shared on X.
Follow The Coffman Chronicle on NewsBreak for daily breaking political coverage.
Judges ultimately set bond totaling just over $20,000 across multiple charges. Waters remains detained. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 22, 2026, at 10 a.m., according to court officials.
Following the hearing, Waters’ mother, Cathy Waters, spoke publicly, saying her son has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and has been hospitalized multiple times over the past year. She said he recently stopped taking prescribed medications and pleaded for more mental health support during law enforcement encounters.
The viral footage has sparked mixed reactions online, including mockery of Waters’ courtroom behavior, political commentary centered on his reference to Trump, and broader discussions about how courts and police handle mental health crises. Others have urged caution, noting that the videos capture a defendant in the middle of an apparent psychiatric episode rather than a political statement.
Officials have not released additional information about the case beyond the pending charges and court schedule.
Follow The Coffman Chronicle on NewsBreak for daily breaking political coverage.