A truck driver from Pennsylvania, identified as Major P. Duke, 39, was arrested Tuesday after allegedly dumping his 18-wheeler into the water off Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Duke, who is from Erie, Pennsylvania, faces multiple charges, including indecent exposure, dumping over 500 pounds of litter on private or public property, and malicious damage to property valued at $10,000 or more. He is currently being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Incident Timeline: From Detention to Truck Dumping
The incident began on July 30, when Sullivan’s Island police detained Duke near Fort Moultrie for a medical evaluation. That evening, the police department was contacted by a commercial trucking company reporting that one of their drivers was missing. The company’s tracking software indicated that Duke’s truck was located near Osceola Avenue’s boat landing.
After further investigation, law enforcement officers determined that Duke was the missing driver and that his truck was likely in the water nearby. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit was called in to assist, using sonar technology to locate the submerged vehicle.
Truck Recovered from 14 Feet Underwater
On July 31, divers confirmed that the truck, an International Sleeper Cab registered to a Kentucky-based commercial carrier, was submerged approximately 14 feet underwater near the Sullivan’s Island Fire Department dock. The truck was safely recovered with assistance from a heavy-duty wrecker service.
Duke’s arrest followed his release from the hospital, where he had been taken after his earlier detention. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
