Charleston, January 9, 2026
The Charleston Police Department is appealing to the public for information regarding a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on the Ashley River Bridge. The collision, which claimed the life of 36-year-old Sherif Mahmoud, involved a vehicle that fled the scene. Authorities are specifically searching for a black or dark blue 2011-2015 Lincoln MKX, which is believed to have front-end damage. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police to assist in their ongoing investigation.
Charleston
Police Seek Public Assistance in Fatal Hit-and-Run on Ashley River Bridge
The Charleston Police Department is urgently seeking the public’s help in locating a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision that claimed the life of a bicyclist earlier this week. The incident occurred on January 6, 2026, just before 7 p.m., on the Ashley River Bridge as it leads into downtown Charleston. Authorities have identified the victim as 36-year-old Sherif Mahmoud, who was from Egypt. The vehicle responsible for striking the cyclist fled the scene, and police are actively investigating to identify and apprehend the driver.
Investigation Underway
The Charleston Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is leading the comprehensive investigation into the collision. Officers determined that the bicyclist was traveling in the roadway on the bridge when struck by a vehicle. Mahmoud tragically died at the scene of the accident. This marks the first fatal traffic-related collision investigated by the Charleston Police Department in 2026.
Vehicle Description and Public Appeal
Investigators are specifically attempting to locate a black or dark blue 2011-2015 Lincoln MKX. This vehicle is expected to have distinctive front-end damage, including missing pieces of the front bumper. The last known location of the suspect vehicle was the exit ramp to Lockwood Drive towards Bee Street in downtown Charleston. The Charleston Police Department is urging anyone with information pertinent to this investigation to come forward. The public can contact the Charleston Police Department’s Traffic Unit at (843) 965-4084, or for the on-duty Central Detective at 843-720-2422. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.
Incident Details and Road Closure
Following the collision on Tuesday evening, the Ashley River Bridge was closed for approximately three hours. The roadway reopened around 10 p.m. on January 6, 2026. The vehicle and its driver have not yet been located. The Charleston County Coroner’s Office officially released the name of the deceased victim.
Broader Context and Bicycle Safety Concerns
The tragic incident on the Ashley River Bridge highlights ongoing concerns regarding bicycle safety in the Charleston area. This fatal collision occurred just days before the first anniversary of the groundbreaking for the Ashley River Crossing, a significant project intended to provide a dedicated bike-pedestrian bridge spanning the Ashley River. The new bridge is designed to connect the West Ashley Greenway, Maryville Bikeway, and the Charleston Medical District with dedicated bike and pedestrian lanes and improved crosswalks across busy downtown roads. According to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office, there were four similar fatal incidents involving cyclists in Charleston County in 2025. The Ashley River Crossing project, which officially broke ground on January 9, 2025, is currently on schedule for completion in the summer of 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Charleston on January 6, 2026?
A fatal hit-and-run collision occurred on January 6, 2026, just before 7 p.m., on the Ashley River Bridge heading into downtown Charleston, resulting in the death of a bicyclist.
Who was the victim of the fatal hit-and-run?
The victim was identified as 36-year-old Sherif Mahmoud, who was from Egypt.
What type of vehicle are police looking for?
Police are seeking a black or dark blue 2011-2015 Lincoln MKX, which is expected to have front-end damage, including missing pieces of the front bumper.
How can the public provide information to the police?
Anyone with information can contact the Charleston Police Department’s Traffic Unit at (843) 965-4084, or the on-duty Central Detective at 843-720-2422. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.
What is the significance of this incident regarding bicycle safety?
This incident underscores ongoing concerns for bike safety in the area and highlights the need for projects like the Ashley River Crossing, a dedicated bike-pedestrian bridge under construction. This is the first fatal traffic-related collision investigated by the Charleston Police Department in 2026.
Key Details of Charleston Hit-and-Run Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | January 6, 2026, just before 7 p.m. |
| Location | Ashley River Bridge, heading into downtown Charleston |
| Victim Identified | Sherif Mahmoud, 36, from Egypt |
| Vehicle Sought | Black or dark blue 2011-2015 Lincoln MKX |
| Vehicle Characteristics | Expected front-end damage, including missing bumper pieces |
| Investigating Agency | Charleston Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) |
| Police Contact | (843) 965-4084 (Traffic Unit) or 843-720-2422 (Central Detective) |
| Anonymous Tips | www.charleston-sc.gov/tips |