A South Carolina mayor died in a head-on car crash whereas being “pursued” by legislation enforcement simply days after his city’s complete police division stop, a coroner says.
McColl Mayor George Garner II, 49, was killed Tuesday afternoon “when the car he was driving collided head on with a truck” in Mechanicsville, in keeping with Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee.
“When the incident occurred Mr. Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County Deputy. The pursuit was not associated to any legal guidelines being damaged. The pursuit was happening in an effort to guard the wellbeing of Mr. Garner,” Hardee added, with out elaborating.
South Carolina Regulation Enforcement Division spokeswoman Renee Wunderlich informed WBTW that the company had an “lively and ongoing” investigation linked to Garner, however couldn’t present additional particulars. SLED didn’t instantly reply Saturday to a request for remark by Fox Information Digital.
ENTIRE POLICE DEPARTMENT RESIGNS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
George Garner II, the previous mayor of McColl, South Carolina, died in a automotive crash 5 days after his city’s police drive resigned. (Marlboro County E911)
The deadly crash occurred after the police drive in McColl – a city of about 2,000 residents close to the state’s border with North Carolina — walked off the job final week.
“It’s with a heavy coronary heart that I do verify my resignation as Chief of Police of the McColl Police Division together with all 4 of my fellow officers,” Chief Bob Hale wrote on Fb. “My private resolution to step away from the McColl Police Division may be attributed to repeated acts of harassment, private assaults on my character, and the general creation of a hostile work setting perpetuated by a selected Councilman.”
Hale added that the actions of the unnamed councilman made it inconceivable for the division to operate successfully.
“For months, I’ve endured unwarranted and malicious habits aimed toward undermining my integrity and management,” Hale continued within the submit. “These actions haven’t solely affected me personally however have additionally created a poisonous environment that has hindered the division’s skill to operate successfully. Regardless of our efforts to deal with these points professionally and thru applicable channels, the harassment and hostility have continued.”
ARREST MADE AFTER HIKER MURDERED IN SMALL MOUNTAIN TOWN SLAYING STAGED AS BEAR ATTACK
The city of McColl’s police drive stop final week, days earlier than the dying of Mayor George Garner II. (City of McColl Fb)
In his assertion, Hale additionally alleged that cash was lower from the police division’s funds and that different vital police wants weren’t being fulfilled.
On Friday, Garner confirmed that the city now not had any law enforcement officials and informed WMBF Information that the neighborhood is in a “tough scenario.”
The city then introduced Tuesday that “the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Division shall be in McColl to reply any name the residents could have.”
Marlboro County Emergency Administration/911 described Garner as “actually a exceptional particular person” who “constantly handled everybody with heat and respect, and his kindness left an enduring influence on these round him.
Former McColl Police Chief Bob Hale mentioned “My private resolution to step away from the McColl Police Division may be attributed to repeated acts of harassment, private assaults on my character, and the general creation of a hostile work setting perpetuated by a selected Councilman.” (WMBF Information)
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“On behalf of Marlboro County E911, we prolong our deepest condolences to the household and associates of Mayor George Garner. Our hearts are heavy throughout this tough time, and we’re conserving everybody affected in our ideas and prayers,” it added in a press release. “Could you discover consolation and power in each other as you navigate this profound loss.”
Fox Information’ Stepheny Worth contributed to this report.
