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South Carolina Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Allegedly Intentionally Running Over Three People on Sullivans Island
Sullivans Island, South Carolina – Justin Collin Adams, a 36-year-old man, is facing a slew of charges, including three counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree aggravated assault, following a harrowing incident on Sullivans Island Thursday afternoon. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, Adams allegedly intentionally used a vehicle to run over a parent and two children in the parking lot of the Sunrise Presbyterian Church, sending shockwaves through the typically tranquil beachside community.
The incident unfolded just before 1 p.m. at the church, which also houses a school. Court records detail the gravity of the situation, revealing the calculated nature of the alleged attack. The arrest affidavit paints a disturbing picture of Adams’ actions leading up to the incident. Allegedly, Adams carjacked his own mother at knifepoint, escalating the situation with threats to cut her face. After gaining control of her vehicle, he reportedly accelerated toward the playground area of the school, setting in motion the events that would leave three individuals injured and the community reeling.
According to the affidavit, Adams initially struck a 12-year-old boy in the playground. Then, with apparent intent, he accelerated at a high rate of speed toward a sidewalk. The affidavit indicates that he appeared to be chasing children as they fled in terror. This detail underscores the severity of the allegations, suggesting a deliberate and calculated effort to inflict harm.
The situation escalated further when Adams allegedly ran over a teacher. The force of the impact reportedly threw the teacher over the hood of the vehicle. Following this, a 10-year-old boy was struck and subsequently pinned underneath the vehicle after it collided with a curb. The impact of the collision caused the vehicle’s airbags to deploy, bringing it to a stop. The scene that followed was undoubtedly chaotic, with emergency services rushing to the location to provide aid to the injured and secure the area.
Following the incident, Adams fled the scene on foot, prompting a large-scale manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The Sullivans Island Police Department and the Isle of Palms Police Department immediately initiated the search, recognizing the urgency of apprehending the suspect. The search quickly expanded to include support from state and federal law enforcement entities, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Special Services Sgt. Matthew Storen of the Isle of Palms Police Department, which ultimately took Adams into custody, provided details about the extensive search efforts. Speaking to Fox News Digital on Friday, Storen explained that Adams is currently being held without bond on the attempted murder charges, reflecting the gravity of those accusations. Additionally, a $100,000 bond has been set on the aggravated assault charge.
Sgt. Storen also revealed that the motive behind the attack remains unknown, adding a layer of mystery and concern to the already disturbing situation. "We had multiple aerial assets. We had marine units, boats. We knew he was last seen in the area of the marsh," Storen stated, describing the scope of the search. "The helicopter was up in the air. One of the Sullivans Island sergeants was in the helicopter to guide the pilot with local knowledge. They were doing low passes." This description provides a glimpse into the coordinated efforts of law enforcement as they worked to locate and apprehend the suspect.
The collaborative effort involved a wide range of agencies, demonstrating the seriousness with which the incident was treated. In addition to the Sullivans Island Police Department and the Isle of Palms Police Department, the FBI, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the U.S. Marshals Service all contributed to the search. This multi-agency response underscores the commitment of law enforcement at all levels to ensuring the safety and security of the community.
Authorities were able to identify Adams based on the red shirt he was reportedly wearing at the time of the incident. A helicopter spotted him attempting to hide under a boat cover of a docked boat, providing crucial information that led to his eventual capture. Storen described the final moments of the manhunt, stating, "That arrest team made up of K-9 units, SWAT team officers and regular officers – as they moved in down the dock – [they] gave commands. He complied. He was taken into custody without any incident." The peaceful apprehension of Adams after such a disturbing crime provides a small measure of relief to the community.
Adams is scheduled to appear back in court on June 13. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has taken over the criminal investigation and is likely working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the incident and to determine a motive. As of the time of reporting, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office had not responded to requests for comment. Fox News Digital also reached out to the Charleston County Clerk of Court for information.
The incident on Sullivans Island has undoubtedly shaken the community. While the motive remains unclear, the charges against Adams suggest a deliberate and violent act. The extent of the injuries suffered by the victims is not fully known, but the nature of the alleged attack suggests that they could be serious. The community is now left to grapple with the aftermath of this shocking event and to support those who have been affected. The legal proceedings against Adams will be closely watched as the case progresses through the courts. The incident also raises questions about mental health and the potential factors that may have contributed to Adams’ alleged actions.
