News Summary
In Greenwood, a woman experienced a distressing road incident involving an aggressive driver who displayed hateful behavior. After recording the encounter, which included obscene gestures and derogatory slurs, she reported it to the police. The case faced initial dismissal but gained community support through social media, prompting a re-evaluation. Law enforcement has identified the driver, leading to ongoing investigations. This incident has sparked discussions on road safety and hate speech within the community, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Greenwood Woman Faces Disturbing Hate Crime on the Road
In the tranquil town of Greenwood, an unsettling incident occurred on the afternoon of February 28, 2025, when a woman found herself in a distressing encounter with another driver. Sanquenetta Brown, a 41-year-old resident, was simply minding her own business on Bypass 225 when the day took a sudden turn for the worse.
Erratic Driving Sparks Tension
It all began when Brown noticed a car following her, behaving erratically. The driver seemed to play a dangerous game, alternating between slowing down and then speeding up as she attempted to let him pass. Initially, Brown didn’t recognize the seriousness of the situation until she heard the driver rev his engine, an ominous sound that signaled trouble was brewing.
As the driver began to invade her lane, Brown had no choice but to quickly maneuver her vehicle to avoid a potential collision. The scenario worsened when the driver responded with an obscene gesture, flipping her off in a display of hostility that left Brown rattled.
An Alarming Revelation
Things escalated further at a red light near Emerald High School when Brown decided to take action by recording the entire chaotic scene on her cellphone. It was a decision she felt compelled to make after experiencing the driver’s intimidating behavior. The video captured the driver yelling derogatory slurs, questioning where Brown got “that (N-word)” car. Such language deeply unsettled her, marking a moment she described as terrifying, and unlike anything she had faced before.
Reporting the Incident
Feeling shaken, Brown promptly reported the unsettling encounter to the local police. However, her experience took another disheartening turn when an initial responding officer dismissed her case. Citing “freedom of speech” and a lack of a visible license plate number, the officer didn’t see grounds for further action.
Frustrated but determined, Brown took to social media, sharing her video on Facebook. This act turned out to be a pivotal moment, as it quickly gained traction, receiving thousands of reactions and shares before the platform ultimately removed it. The swift response from the community showed that many stood in solidarity with Brown, eager to voice their outrage at the abhorrent behavior displayed by the driver.
A Shift in Perspective
Police Chief T.J. Chaudoin later reviewed Brown’s video and shared his dismay over the driver’s hateful remarks. He publicly disagreed with the initial decision to dismiss the case, labeling the comments as a hate crime involving “fighting words.” This shift in perspective sparked hope among those advocating for justice.
Investigative Developments
Law enforcement has since identified the driver involved in this incident; however, no arrests have been made yet due to jurisdictional issues. The case has been handed over to the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, which will further investigate the disturbing behavior that unfolded on that day.
A Community United Against Hate
At a recent Greenwood City Council meeting, Mayor Brandon Smith addressed the incident, expressing collective disgust and a commitment to creating an environment that stands against hate speech. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, as residents rally to show solidarity with Brown.
Looking Forward
In the aftermath of this unsettling incident, Brown has expressed her gratitude for the support from her community. She emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings, especially for women, in a world where unpredictable encounters can occur.
While the incident certainly left its mark, it has also sparked conversations about safety, respect, and the collective responsibility to foster an inclusive environment in Greenwood. As the investigation continues, the hope is that the community will move forward together, stronger and more united against hate in all its forms.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Sheriff’s Office Investigating Possible Hate Crime
- Wikipedia: Hate Crime
- KOMO News: Seattle Police Investigate Jewish Family Hate Crime
- Google Search: Jewish Family Hate Crime
- KTUL: Suspect Sought for Destroying Greenwood’s Historical Mural
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vandalism
- The Black Wall Street Times: Alleged Hate Crime Victim was Actually Aggressor
- Google News: Alleged Hate Crime
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
