A hit and run suspect armed with a knife is at large after hitting two kids and one adult outside a South Carolina church preschool in what may have been an intentional act.
The crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. at the Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan’s Island, a beach town near Charleston. The suspect abandoned his sedan after the crash.
“The driver of that vehicle fled the scene on foot and was last seen armed with a knife,” Isle of Palms Police Department spokesperson Matthew Storen said.
The suspect was identified Thursday evening as Justin Collin Adams. He was described as a white man wearing a red shirt and dark shorts. Police said he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Sullivans Island Police Chief Glenn Meadows described the suspect as heavyset, in his 40s, balding with a goatee.
It’s unclear whether Adams has a connection to the victims.
Storen said anyone who sees the suspect should call 911 immediately.
“He’s considered armed and dangerous,” Storen said. “Do not try to apprehend the subject or engage with the suspect.”
Storen said there was no altercation preceding the crash.
A child and an adult were taken to the hospital in unknown condition. The third victim was treated at the scene. The injured child has since been discharged. The adult remains hospitalized but is expected to recover.
The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service are assisting in the manhunt.
Meadows said it was unclear if Adams was still on the island, but a house-by-house search was underway.
The incident comes three days after four students were killed when an SUV plowed into an Illinois afterschool program.
