On May 1, 2025, a shocking hit-and-run incident occurred outside the Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. The crash, which left two children and one adult injured, was a terrifying moment for the community.
The suspect, later identified as 33-year-old Justin Collin Adams, allegedly drove into a group of pedestrians, striking both children and an adult. The incident took place just before 1 p.m., near the preschool entrance, leaving local residents and families shaken.
Adams, after abandoning his car at the scene, fled on foot. Witnesses reported seeing him running toward a residential area while seemingly carrying a knife. The authorities quickly responded, setting up a massive manhunt to locate him.
Thanks to the quick actions of law enforcement agencies, including aerial support and local coordination, Adams was eventually located and arrested without incident.
Search and Arrest: Authorities Close In on the Suspect
Following the incident, law enforcement agencies, including the Isle of Palms Police Department, the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and several local agencies, began an intensive search for Adams.
The suspect’s car was found abandoned not far from the scene, but Adams himself was nowhere to be found. Authorities initially believed he was armed and dangerous, which prompted an immediate response.
Aerial surveillance played a crucial role in locating Adams. A helicopter unit from Charleston County provided vital support by scanning the area. Despite the urgency of the situation, the authorities continued with the search, covering nearby residential homes and surrounding areas.
Residents were asked to stay indoors, as the police conducted a thorough grid search of the area. The operation was extensive, and the authorities left no stone unturned. After hours of searching, they discovered Adams hiding on a boat behind a residence near the church, leading to his capture.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has taken the lead in investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the hit-and-run was intentional, as investigators continue to gather evidence.
Authorities are looking into possible motives for the attack and are considering a range of charges that Adams may face.
As of now, Adams is being interviewed by investigators. He is expected to face multiple charges, including hit-and-run, endangerment, and potentially other offenses related to his attempt to flee the scene. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed additional details about Adams’ background or if there were any previous incidents involving him.
Adams was arrested and is currently being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center. His initial court appearance will determine whether he will be granted bail. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are likely to emerge as further evidence is gathered.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The hit-and-run incident has raised concerns among residents of Sullivan’s Island and surrounding areas, especially as the preschool is frequented by families with young children. The local community has expressed shock and relief after the suspect’s arrest.
Many parents voiced their concerns over the safety of their children, given the proximity of the incident to a school.
Local officials and law enforcement have reassured the public that they are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of the community. “We take these matters very seriously,” said a spokesperson from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. “We will continue to investigate and pursue justice for the victims of this crime.”
The Role of Aerial Support in Capturing the Suspect
A key aspect of the investigation was the role of aerial surveillance in locating Adams. The use of a helicopter from Charleston County’s aviation unit played a vital role in narrowing down the search area.
The helicopter’s ability to cover a large area quickly and provide real-time updates to ground teams allowed for a more coordinated and efficient search.
The deployment of aerial units in cases like this is becoming increasingly important for law enforcement agencies, especially when suspects are on the run in densely populated or hard-to-reach areas.
Aerial surveillance has proven to be an invaluable tool for tracking fleeing suspects, providing both strategic advantages and immediate assistance to ground officers.
Next Steps in the Investigation
As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to piece together all available information to determine the exact sequence of events. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is focused on understanding how and why Adams fled the scene, as well as uncovering any possible connections to other criminal activities.
The victims, including the two children and the adult who were struck, are recovering from their injuries. The children have since been treated and released to their families, and the adult remains in stable condition. Law enforcement continues to provide updates on the condition of those affected by the incident.
Legal and Community Impact
The legal proceedings against Adams are likely to unfold over the coming weeks. As charges are formally filed, the case will bring attention to issues surrounding public safety and the importance of swift law enforcement responses to crimes like hit-and-runs.
For the community of Sullivan’s Island, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety, vigilance, and the role of law enforcement in protecting residents. The use of technology, including aerial surveillance, has proven to be effective in addressing immediate threats and ensuring swift action when time is of the essence.
Conclusion
The hit-and-run incident outside Sunrise Presbyterian Church has shaken the local community, but the swift actions of law enforcement ensured that the suspect, Justin Collin Adams, was captured and arrested.
His ability to evade authorities for hours and hide in a boat highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when pursuing fleeing suspects. However, thanks to coordinated efforts and aerial surveillance, Adams was quickly apprehended, and justice is on the horizon.
For further details on this ongoing investigation, visit ABC News.
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