Man dies from injuries
Dustin Butler, 25, of Walterboro died from injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 95 northbound at Exit 62 on the overpass Saturday May 16 at 4:50 a.m.
A northbound Lexus struck the guardrail, causing heavy damage to the car. The vehicle came to rest in the travel lanes, blocking both lanes under the McLeod Road overpass.
A northbound GMC pickup truck then collided with the Lexus, causing further damage and heavily damaging the pickup truck. A northbound tractor trailer was able to avoid hitting the car, but struck the bridge. The load in the trailer was propelled forward and broke through the front of the trailer, striking the rear of the cab.
The interstate was blocked by the damaged vehicles and debris.
Firefighter-paramedics found the driver of the Lexus unconscious in the grass just before the bridge. He suffered multiple traumatic injuries, a head injury and was in critical condition. Crews called for a medical helicopter and began treating the patient at the scene with advanced airway procedures to maintain his airway.
The truck driver and two people in the pickup truck were not injured.
Butler was flown to the Trauma Center at MUSC.
Shots fired
on Francis Street
Walterboro Police went to Francis Street on May 23 after two black males reportedly shot at a victim.
Officers found several spent shell casings, but no shooters.
The investigation continues.
Chase started at Colleton Heights
On May 25, a Walterboro Police officer spotted a Black Chevy Silverado, going through the parking lot at Colleton Heights at a high rate of speed. The vehicle also had a possible stolen license plate.
When the officer turned on his blue lights, the driver accelerated to 30 mph in the parking lot, then turned left on Beach Road and sped up to 100 mph and over.
After passing Wildlife Lane, the driver turned into a home and the officer said he saw him go inside. The home’s owner answered the door and said the man just ran into the house.
When he came to the door, the suspect had changed clothes and donned a hat.
His driver’s license had been previously suspended. When arrested, his luck got worse. Officers reportedly found a glass pipe and multiple white pills later determined to be oxycodone. A second glass pipe was found in the vehicle, which belonged to the suspect’s grandmother. The license plate was reported stolen in St. George.
He was charged with receiving stolen goods, driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II narcotics and failure to stop for blue lights.
Good Samaritans exist
A man came to the Walterboro Police Department on May 24, handing over a black wallet he found while running on Ivanhoe Road. Officers attempted to contact the man, but the phone number was disconnected. The wallet was placed in the evidence locker for safe keeping.
In a separate incident, a Klein Street resident found two bookbags containing clothing, books and a black jacket on his property. He brought the items to the police department, who placed the items in the evidence locker for safe keeping.
Baby tests positive for drugs
A baby brought to Colleton Medical Center on May 28 tested positive for amphetamine, codeine and morphine.
The baby was transferred to East Cooper Medical Center to be treated. DSS took custody of the child, as the mother left the hospital without her daughter, although she did visit the baby at the hospital in Charleston.
City worker hit
by vehicle
Walterboro Police responded to Hiers Corner Road on May 28 after a city worker was involved in a hit and run.
The worker was on foot when he was reportedly hit by a vehicle. Officers found him lying on the ground, propped up against a city maintenance vehicle. He told officers he was hit by a white car but didn’t know the make or model.
He was transported by Fire-Rescue to Colleton Medical Center, but it was thought his injuries were minor.
Man reports armed robbery
A man reported he was assaulted by four black males who tried to kill and rob him on May 31 on Alexander Street.
The man reported he was giving someone a hair cut in his kitchen when two of the men held him while the other two pistol-whipped him and shot at him. They also allegedly demanded money. The victim’s son heard the shots and ran from his bedroom, saying he saw the four men attempting to drag his father out of the home. They then fled in a gold Honda.
The father was transported to the hospital.
Walterboro Police are investigating.
