A South Carolina man was arrested on attempted murder charges after reportedly ramming his car into two children and their teacher during a stunning hit-and-run at a church playground, according to authorities.
Justin Collin Adams, 36, was arrested Thursday night shortly after driving a black Chevrolet Malibu into two boys aged 10 and 12 and an adult victim at Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan’s Island, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Post & Courier.
“I hope that no other mother had to get this phone call that I had to endure yesterday,” the 10-year-old’s emotional mom said in court.
“By the grace of God, they were saved. I am here to hopefully get justice for all of the children.”
Police said the scary event began when the Greenville man threatened to cut his mother’s face with a knife before taking her car and driving into the church playground, where he struck the 12-year-old child around 12:46 p.m.
According to the affidavit, Adams accelerated toward other children before colliding with the instructor, who was catapulted onto the car’s hood and roof before landing on the ground.
The crazy driver then apparently hopped the sidewalk, hitting the 10-year-old youngster and pinning him under the vehicle.
Adams, who was armed with a knife, abandoned the car and fled, sparking an extensive, multi-agency manhunt that ended hours later when a police helicopter found the psychopath hiding on a boat anchored across the street from the crime scene.
The adult and 12-year-old were transferred to a local hospital for treatment, while the teacher remains in the hospital with critical injuries, according to ABC.
The other young victim was treated on the scene and released to a parent.
Adams’ defense attorney said the court that his client voluntarily submitted himself to a psychiatric institution two weeks ago, was diagnosed with depression, and was prescribed Lexapro to address his illness, according to the source.
He was charged with three charges of attempted murder and first-degree assault and battery, according to jail records.
Adams is being held without bond at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in North Charleston.
He is due back in court on June 13.
