FLORENCE, SC – A young individual has been taken into custody by Florence police following a fatal crash earlier this month. The unnamed youth faces charges including two counts of reckless homicide, two counts of hit-and-run resulting in the deaths of two victims, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
On the evening of December 9th, authorities responded to a collision on Kershaw Street near Gaillard Street. Allegedly driving a stolen truck, the youth was speeding and ran a stop sign, ultimately colliding with a Ford Flex SUV. Due to the impact, the stolen truck lost control and crashed into a nearby power pole. Subsequently, the driver fled the scene before the arrival of law enforcement officials.
Emergency responders arrived to find a flipped Chevrolet Silverado, with one teenager still trapped inside and another who had been pulled out by bystanders. Despite efforts by firefighters to extricate the trapped teen, it was determined that both individuals had succumbed to their injuries. The victims have since been identified as 14-year-old Tylik Charles and 16-year-old Ameria Grant, both residents of Florence.
Nearly two weeks after the fatal crash, authorities apprehended the youth responsible on Friday. The individual was then transported to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. The Florence Police Department expressed its gratitude to the community for providing crucial information that aided in shedding light on this tragic incident.
The arrest brings some closure to the bereaved families who have been mourning the loss of their loved ones. However, questions still loom about the circumstances that led to this fatal collision and the motivations behind the theft of the truck.
It is important to acknowledge the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the potential for catastrophe when individuals engage in unlawful activities. The impact of this incident not only resulted in the loss of two young lives but also left families and the entire community grieving.
A thorough investigation will be conducted by police to uncover more details about the stolen vehicle and to determine what led to its theft. As the case progresses, the Florence Police Department will continue to provide updates.