Man Arrested After Hit-and-Run Injures Children on Playground

News Summary

A man has been arrested following a hit-and-run incident on Sullivan’s Island that injured a parent and two children. The suspect, Justin Collin Adams, 36, allegedly stole a vehicle and crashed into a church playground, leading to injuries for a 12-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy, and a supervising teacher. Adams is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder. The community is now discussing safety measures to prevent future incidents, as local leaders reach out to the victims’ families for support.

South Carolina – A man has been arrested following a hit-and-run incident that injured a parent and two children on Sullivan’s Island. The suspect, Justin Collin Adams, 36, was taken into custody after fleeing the scene of the crash that took place outside Sunrise Presbyterian Church just before 1 p.m.

Adams allegedly stole a black Chevrolet Malibu after threatening his 67-year-old mother with a knife. Witnesses reported that he drove into the church parking lot at a high rate of speed, directly into a playground where multiple children were playing. The crash resulted in injuries to a 12-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy, and a teacher who was supervising the children at the time.

Following the incident, the adult and the 12-year-old boy were transported to a hospital and are currently in stable condition. The 10-year-old boy was treated at the scene and later released to another parent. Initial investigations did not confirm whether Adams intentionally targeted the children, but eyewitness accounts suggest that he appeared to chase after them as they attempted to flee for safety.

Following a violent confrontation, local law enforcement launched a manhunt involving 130 personnel, drones, and helicopters. Adams was apprehended after being found hiding in a boat docked behind a nearby home. He is now in the Charleston County Detention Center and faces multiple charges, including three counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree assault and battery. During a bond hearing, the court denied him bond on the attempted murder charges, mandated no contact with the victims, and prohibited him from returning within a five-mile radius of the incident.

This incident has elicited significant concern within the community. Community leaders, including U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, have reached out to the families of the victims to discuss potential safety measures aimed at preventing such occurrences in the future. Tanner Czuar, the 10-year-old victim, was recognized for his bravery during the incident with the Congressional Patriot Award.

The family of Tanner Czuar has expressed their concern regarding safety laws in South Carolina and their hope that this incident will spur meaningful legislative changes to enhance children’s safety in public spaces. The teacher injured during the incident was released from the hospital the following day after receiving treatment for her injuries.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run and assess how the community can better protect its children from similar incidents in the future. With discussions already underway for potential safety reforms, residents are hopeful for improvements and measures that may prevent such trauma from affecting their neighborhoods.

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Author: HERE Greenwood