WPBN: Days after his town’s entire police force resigned, a South Carolina mayor was “pursued” by police and perished in a head-on car crash, according to a coroner.
According to Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee, McColl Mayor George Garner II, 49, died Tuesday afternoon “when the vehicle he was driving collided head on with a truck” in Mechanicsville.
“When the incident occurred Mr. Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County Deputy. The pursuit was not related to any laws being broken. The pursuit was taking place in an effort to protect the wellbeing of Mr. Garner,” Hardee continued.
Renee Wunderlich, a spokesperson for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, told that Garner was the subject of a “active and ongoing” investigation, but she was unable to further.
The deadly collision occurred as a result of last week’s police force walkout in McColl, a community of roughly 2,000 people close to the state’s border with North Carolina.
“It is with a heavy heart that I do confirm my resignation as Chief of Police of the McColl Police Department along with all four of my fellow officers,” Chief Bob Hale stated on Facebook. “My personal decision to step away from the McColl Police Department can be attributed to repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and the overall creation of a hostile work environment perpetuated by a specific Councilman.”
Hale went on to say that the unidentified councilman’s actions prevented the department from operating efficiently.
“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale further stated in the post. “These actions have not only affected me personally but have also created a toxic atmosphere that has hindered the department’s ability to function effectively. Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through appropriate channels, the harassment and hostility have persisted.”
Hale also claimed in his statement that other vital police demands were not being met and that funds were being taken out of the police department’s budget.
Garner said on Friday that there were no more police officers in the village and that the residents were in a “difficult situation.” Then, on Tuesday, the town declared that “the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Department will be in McColl to answer any call the citizens may have.”
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Garner was characterized as “truly a remarkable individual” by Marlboro County Emergency Management/911, who “consistently treated everyone with warmth and respect, and his kindness left a lasting impact on those around him.”
“On behalf of Marlboro County E911, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mayor George Garner. Our hearts are heavy during this difficult time, and we are keeping everyone affected in our thoughts and prayers,” it continued. “May you find comfort and strength in one another as you navigate this profound loss.”
