A man accused of deliberately driving into a group of children and a teacher on a playground in South Carolina remains in custody a year after the incident, with his case still pending.
The incident on Sullivan’s Island
On May 1, 2025, a shocking incident occurred at Sunrise Presbyterian Church School on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, when 37-year-old Justin Collin Adams allegedly used a vehicle to intentionally strike multiple people, including children and a teacher, on the school’s playground.
More than 100 law enforcement officers, including local, state, and federal authorities, responded to the scene after reports of a hit-and-run attack.
Details of the attack
According to affidavits, Adams had been sitting in the back seat of his 67-year-old mother’s Chevrolet Malibu when he became violent. Authorities allege that Adams threatened his mother with a knife, demanding control of the car before driving it onto the playground.
Investigators say Adams deliberately targeted the group of children and the teacher, using the vehicle as a weapon.
Victims and injuries
The first victim struck was a 12-year-old child, who sustained minor injuries. Adams then drove onto the playground and hit a teacher, who was thrown over the vehicle’s hood.
The vehicle continued onto a nearby sidewalk, where a 10-year-old child was struck and pinned underneath. Thankfully, all three victims survived their injuries.
Adams flees the scene
After the vehicle stopped due to the deployment of airbags, Adams allegedly fled the scene on foot. Residents in the area were asked to shelter in place as authorities launched a manhunt.
Multi-agency search and arrest
The search for Adams lasted for several hours, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved in locating him. A Charleston County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was used to help locate Adams, who was found hiding in a boat across the street from the school.
Charges and legal proceedings
Adams is currently being held at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. He faces three counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault and battery. His case remains pending, and he is expected to face further court proceedings.
