South Carolina Man Accused of Mowing Down Kids in Church Parking Lot Before Fleeing on Foot
A horrifying hit-and-run in a quiet South Carolina beach town has left a community shaken after a man allegedly stole his mother’s car and intentionally ran over a teacher and two children near a church playground.
Justin Collin Adams, 36, is facing three counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated assault following the violent incident at Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan’s Island, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
Affidavit: Suspect Carjacked His Mother Before Targeting Playground
The arrest affidavit states Adams threatened to disfigure his mother with a knife before stealing her vehicle. He then sped into the church parking lot just before 1 p.m. Thursday and deliberately drove toward children at play.
Witnesses say Adams first struck a 12-year-old boy near the playground before accelerating onto a sidewalk in what appeared to be a calculated attempt to chase fleeing children.
He allegedly ran over a teacher, who was thrown onto the hood of the vehicle, and then hit a 10-year-old boy. The child was pinned beneath the car when it slammed into a curb and deployed its airbags, bringing the vehicle to a stop.
Adams then abandoned the scene and escaped on foot, sparking a multi-agency manhunt.
Massive Manhunt Involving FBI, SWAT Ends in Arrest
Law enforcement from local, state, and federal agencies joined forces to track down Adams. According to Sgt. Matthew Storen of the Isle of Palms Police Department, aerial and marine units combed the area as officers searched marshlands and docks.
“A helicopter spotted him hiding under a boat cover,” said Storen. “A tactical team, including SWAT and K-9 units, moved in and ordered him to surrender. He complied and was arrested without incident.”
The involved agencies included the FBI, NCIS, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), U.S. Marshals, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), alongside local departments.
Motive Still Unknown
Adams is currently being held without bond on the attempted murder charges and on a $100,000 bond for the aggravated assault charge. Authorities say his motive remains unclear.
He is scheduled to appear in court again on June 13.
Community on Edge After Unprovoked Attack
The incident has rattled the peaceful community of Sullivan’s Island, a beachside town known more for its quiet charm than violent crime.
While details remain under investigation, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has taken over the case.
