Suspect arrested after hitting pedestrians outside church
- Three pedestrians, including two children, were struck by a vehicle outside Sunrise Presbyterian Church in Sullivan's Island.
- A massive manhunt ensued after the suspect fled on foot and was later found and arrested.
- Justin Collin Adams is in custody, and injuries to the victims were less serious than initially believed.
In Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, a serious incident occurred on May 1, 2025, when a vehicle struck three pedestrians, including two children, in the parking lot of Sunrise Presbyterian Church. The incident happened around 12:50 p.m. where a sedan entered the church property and hit the victims who were outside a preschool. Following the accident, one child and an adult were taken to the hospital in stable condition, while the second child was treated at the scene and released to their parents. The suspect, Justin Collin Adams, fled the scene on foot, evading immediate capture and prompting a large-scale manhunt across the island. Authorities initiated a thorough search that involved drones, helicopters, and door-to-door checks. Residents were advised to remain indoors as law enforcement conducted a grid search for the suspect, who was reportedly armed with a knife. This led to the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, which is now responsible for the ongoing investigation. Around 5:57 p.m. that day, Adams was apprehended without incident on a dock behind a house across from the church, where he was found on a boat. Sullivan’s Island Police Chief Glenn Meadows reported that the coordinated search led to Adams being spotted by a sergeant using a helicopter from the Charleston County Aviation Unit. Ground teams were guided to his location, showcasing a unified effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Following his arrest, Chief Meadows provided an update that indicated one victim was released from the hospital, while another was expected to be released soon, with injuries being less serious than initially feared. Investigators have yet to reveal motives surrounding the incident or clarify whether the act was intentional, as inquiries continue. Just hours after the crash, authorities conducted interviews and collected evidence at the crime scene. The case remains under investigation, and charges against Adams are anticipated in the coming days as law enforcement gathers additional information about the events leading up to the pedestrian strikes.