Authorities have apprehended a South Carolina man on charges of attempted murder. It is alleged that he drove his vehicle into two children and their teacher in a disturbing hit-and-run incident at a church playground, as reported by the police.
Justin Collin Adams, 36, was arrested Thursday night shortly after he drove a black Chevrolet Malibu into two boys — ages 10 and 12 — and an adult victim at Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan’s Island, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Post and Courier.
“I hope that no other mother had to get this phone call that I had to endure yesterday,” the 10-year-old’s emotional mom said in court Friday, ABC News reported.
“By the grace of God, they were saved. I am here to hopefully get justice for all of the children.”
Police said the terrifying incident unfolded when the Greenville man threatened to cut his mother’s face with a knife before taking her car and driving onto the church playground, where he struck the 12-year-old boy around 12:46 p.m.
Adams proceeded to accelerate at high speed toward other children before slamming into the teacher, who was thrown onto the hood and roof of the car before landing on the ground, the affidavit showed.
The berserk driver then reportedly jumped the sidewalk, where he struck the 10-year-old boy and pinned him under the vehicle.
Police said Adams, who was armed with a knife, ditched the car and fled, prompting an intensive, multi-agency manhunt that ended hours later when a police chopper spotted the maniac hiding out on a boat docked across the street from the scene of the crime.
The adult and 12-year-old were taken to a local hospital for treatment; the teacher remains hospitalized with serious injuries, according to ABC.
The other child victim was treated at the scene and released to a parent.
Adams’ defense attorney told the court that his client voluntarily admitted himself to a psychiatric hospital two weeks ago, was diagnosed with depression and prescribed Lexapro to treat his condition, the outlet reported.
He was charged with three counts of attempted murder and first-degree assault and battery, jail records show.
Adams is being held without bond at Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in North Charleston.
He is due back in court on June 13.
