What happened on Clements Ferry Road?

A single-vehicle crash occurred on Clements Ferry Road on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, which is now being investigated as a homicide after the driver was found to have suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

When did the incident occur?

The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Where exactly did the crash take place?

The crash took place on Clements Ferry Road, approximately half a mile from Cainhoy Road.

Who is investigating this incident?

The Charleston Police Department is investigating this incident.

What was discovered during the initial investigation?

Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle off the roadway along with the driver and a passenger. During the preliminary investigation, detectives determined the driver was shot and believe the shooting occurred inside the vehicle. The driver died at the scene.

Was anyone else injured?

Yes, a passenger in the vehicle was transported to a local hospital.

How can the public provide information?

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Charleston Police Department at 843-720-2422 and request to speak with the on-duty Central Detective, or submit a tip online at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.

January 15, 2026

Charleston Police Investigate Homicide After Fatal Crash

Charleston, S.C., January 15, 2026

A morning vehicle collision on Clements Ferry Road has turned into a homicide investigation after the driver was found with a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities responded to the scene early Wednesday and discovered the grim circumstances, prompting an immediate investigation by the Charleston Police Department. Investigators believe the shooting occurred inside the vehicle prior to the crash. A passenger was also injured and taken to a local hospital. Police are seeking public assistance to gather further information about the incident.

Charleston

Charleston, S.C. – A morning vehicle collision on Clements Ferry Road on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is now being investigated as a homicide by the Charleston Police Department after the driver was found to have suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a power pole around 7:30 a.m., approximately half a mile from Cainhoy Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered the driver deceased at the scene, and preliminary investigations revealed the driver had been shot.

Investigation Underway

The Charleston Police Department initiated a full homicide investigation immediately following the discovery. Detectives determined that the driver, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was shot, with investigators believing the shooting occurred inside the vehicle before the crash. This critical development transformed the initial traffic collision response into a complex criminal inquiry. Officers located both the driver and a passenger in the vehicle off the roadway. The passenger was subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical attention. Authorities have not released further details regarding the passenger’s condition or their involvement in the ongoing investigation. The focus of the police efforts is to uncover the circumstances leading up to the shooting and to establish all relevant facts in this rapidly unfolding case.

Incident Details

The incident began as a response to a vehicular accident on Clements Ferry Road. Police officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports that a vehicle had collided with a power pole. The crash occurred specifically about half a mile away from Cainhoy Road. The collision itself was severe enough to draw immediate police and emergency medical services attention. However, what initially appeared to be a traffic fatality quickly escalated upon the discovery of the gunshot wound. The combination of the crash and the fatal shooting has prompted a meticulous forensic examination of the scene and the vehicle involved. Investigators are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events that culminated in the driver’s death and the subsequent crash. The timing of the incident, occurring during the early morning hours, could impact potential witness availability, adding to the complexities of the investigation.

Public Assistance Requested

The Charleston Police Department is urging anyone with information related to this incident to come forward. Public cooperation is often instrumental in resolving complex cases such as homicides. Residents or commuters who may have been in the vicinity of Clements Ferry Road, particularly near Cainhoy Road, around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, are encouraged to report anything unusual they might have seen or heard. Even seemingly minor details could prove crucial to the investigation. Individuals with pertinent information are asked to contact the Charleston Police Department directly at 843-720-2422. Callers should request to speak with the on-duty Central Detective. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously online by visiting the official Charleston Police Department website at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.

Community Impact and Ongoing Efforts

The community response to such a serious incident, especially one involving both a vehicle collision and a fatal shooting, highlights the importance of thorough and transparent police work. The Charleston Police Department is committed to ensuring public safety and bringing those responsible for violent crimes to justice. The department continues to allocate significant resources to this investigation, working to maintain the security and well-being of the Charleston community. Updates will be provided to the public as new information becomes available and as the investigation progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on Clements Ferry Road? A single-vehicle crash occurred on Clements Ferry Road on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, which is now being investigated as a homicide after the driver was found to have suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
When did the incident occur? The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Where exactly did the crash take place? The crash took place on Clements Ferry Road, approximately half a mile from Cainhoy Road.
Who is investigating this incident? The Charleston Police Department is investigating this incident.
What was discovered during the initial investigation? Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle off the roadway along with the driver and a passenger. During the preliminary investigation, detectives determined the driver was shot and believe the shooting occurred inside the vehicle. The driver died at the scene.
Was anyone else injured? Yes, a passenger in the vehicle was transported to a local hospital.
How can the public provide information? Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Charleston Police Department at 843-720-2422 and request to speak with the on-duty Central Detective, or submit a tip online at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.

Key Features of the Clements Ferry Road Homicide Investigation

Feature	Detail
Incident Type	Homicide investigation following a single-vehicle crash
Date of Incident	Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time of Incident	Approximately 7:30 a.m.
Location	Clements Ferry Road, about half a mile from Cainhoy Road, Charleston, S.C.
Victim Status	Driver deceased at the scene due to a gunshot wound
Other Injuries	One passenger transported to a local hospital
Primary Suspect Focus	Shooting believed to have occurred inside the vehicle
Investigating Agency	Charleston Police Department
Public Contact for Tips	843-720-2422 (on-duty Central Detective) or www.charleston-sc.gov/tips

Now Happening on X

@PatrickDotWeb (January 14, 2026, 12:10 AM): The Charleston Police Department is investigating after a shooting left one person dead early Saturday morning. View on X
@ABCNews4 (January 14, 2026, 9:29 AM): Deputies are continuing to investigate a shooting that injured one person in Goose Creek last night, alongside updates on the North Charleston City Council Special Election winner and a rezoning denial. View on X
@PatrickDotWeb (January 14, 2026, 12:00 AM): The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office responded to a possible incident at a neighborhood Tuesday evening. View on X
@ABCNews4 (January 14, 2026, 12:00 AM): An election in North Charleston District 1 concluded with voters turning the page after a federal corruption investigation into city council. View on X
@ABCNews4 (January 12, 2026, 9:54 AM): Multiple warming shelters are opening tonight due to plummeting Lowcountry temperatures, with an outdoor burn ban in effect for Georgetown County amid elevated fire risks and an upcoming Charleston County Council meeting. View on X
@_CharlestonSC (January 11, 2026, 4:07 PM): A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7 PM EST for Charleston due to critical wind, low humidity, and dry fuels increasing wildfire risks. View on X
@ABCNews4 (January 9, 2026, 10:45 PM): A man was arrested Thursday evening after a family argument at a Charleston apartment complex escalated into gunfire. View on X
@wchs8fox11 (January 9, 2026, 11:22 AM): Several people were reportedly exposed to tear gas Friday at a Charleston business. View on X