Photo: Sullivan’s Island Police Department
South Carolina police have captured Justin Collin Adams, the suspect in a hit-and-run incident that injured two children and an adult near a preschool on Sullivan's Island. The incident occurred on Thursday (May 1) when Adams allegedly drove his vehicle into pedestrians outside Sunrise Presbyterian Church, which also serves as a daycare.
Authorities launched a manhunt after Adams fled the scene on foot, reportedly armed with a knife. Adams was found hiding in a boat near a dock across from the church. The discovery was made by an officer in a Charleston County Aviation Unit helicopter.
During the search, Sullivan's Island Police Chief Glenn Meadows advised residents to stay indoors and call 911 if they saw anything suspicious. Multiple law enforcement agencies formed a quick response team, conducting a door-to-door search and checking all vehicles leaving the island.
The injured individuals were taken to the hospital, with one being treated and released on site. Authorities have not yet determined if the crash was intentional, and the Charleston County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation to decide on charges.
Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie stated that Adams is being interviewed to understand the motive behind the incident and to determine the appropriate charges. The FBI and U.S. Marshals were also involved in the search efforts.