The mayor of a South Carolina city the place the complete police drive resigned has died in a tragic automotive crash. McColl Mayor George Garner II, 49, died in a crash whereas being “pursued” by different regulation enforcement.
Garner died when his 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe crashed into an 18-wheeler on Tuesday afternoon, November 26. This incident comes simply 5 days after police Chief Bob Hale and his 5 officers resigned in anger at native officers.
What did the coroner say?
The investigating coroner mentioned that “Mr. Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County Deputy”throughout the incident. The coroner added, “The pursuit was not associated to any legal guidelines being damaged. The pursuit was going down in an effort to guard the properly being of Mr. Garner. I’ll make a ruling on the style of this dying within the coming days. Please maintain this household,and the wonderful of us in our neighboring Marlboro County in your prayers.”
It was revealed after Garner’s dying that he wasconnected to an lively investigation from the South Carolina Regulation Enforcement Division [SLED], sources informed WBTW. SLED didn’t element what theinvestigation concerned.
Just lately, Garner reportedly received re-election within the city of about 2,000 residents. His administration made headlines after the complete police drive give up. Chief Hale accused an unidentified council member of harassment, claiming the individual created a “hostile work atmosphere.”
The previous chief mentioned in an announcement on social media that this created “a poisonous environment that has hindered the division’s potential to operate successfully.” “Regardless of our efforts to handle these points professionally and thru acceptable channels, the harassment and hostility have persevered,” he added, additionally complaining about slashed funding.
On the time, Garner mentioned that the resignations left the city in a “tough state of affairs.” “I hate to see them go. They had been an excellent group. However we’re gonna proceed on,” Garner mentioned, including that he would rent extra cops.
Brian Blue can be masking mayoral duties after Garner’s dying. “I do know it’s a tough time proper now for our city, however us as a council and me as your mayor Professional tempore, we’ll proceed combating for you all,” Blue informed residents in an announcement, based on WPDE.
The crash is being investigated by the South Carolina Freeway Patrol. A funeral service for Garner will happen at McColl Church of God at 2 pm on December 3, Garner’s obituary says.
