A 36-year-old South Carolina man, Justin Collin Adams, has been accused of driving his car into a group of three people at a church playground. The victims, who all survived but were seriously injured, include an adult and two children, ages 10 and 12.
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According to the Post and Courier, the incident took place on Thursday, May 12. Before Adams allegedly drove his vehicle into his victims, Sullivan's Island Police Department officers were responding to a report of a knife-wielding man, Adams, at around 12:46 p.m. Allegedly, he had threatened his own mother to cut his face with the knife he was seen wielding.
However, as they were heading to Ion Avenue, officers were informed that Adams had fled the scene by allegedly taking his mother's black sedan. Moments later, unfortunately, police once again received reports involving Adams. He had allegedly struck multiple people at Sunrise Presbyterian Church.
An affidavit obtained by the outlet and an officer in court revealed, according to ABC News, that Adams allegedly struck the 12-year-old first after he drove into the church playground. He continued driving his vehicle and then allegedly struck a teacher, who "flew over the hood and onto the roof and onto the ground," as per the officer.
Finally, Adams allegedly drove onto the sidewalk and stuck the 10-year-old, pinning him under his car. Moments later, Adams abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot while still wielding the knife he allegedly used to threaten his mother, according to police.
Arrested And Charged
As reported by the Post and Courier, police arrested Adams, hiding in a boat behind a residence on Jasper Boulevard. Justin Collin Adams was charged with three counts of attempted murder, assault, and battery. He is currently being held without bond.
The 12-year-old suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The teacher was transferred to a local hospital, where he remains, having suffered serious injuries. The 10-year-old was hospitalized and later discharged, as per ABC News.
In a heartbreaking statement during court, the 10-year-old's mother talked about the incident that saw her son hurt.
"I hope that no other mother had to get this phone call that I had to endure yesterday," she said. "By the grace of God, they were saved. I am here to hopefully get justice for all of the children."
According to Adams's attorney, the 36-year-old man voluntarily checked himself into a psychiatric unit two weeks before the incident. As per the lawyer, Adams was diagnosed with depression and was prescribed Lexapro.
