When was the suspect, Trevis Dwayne Deas, arrested?

Trevis Dwayne Deas was arrested on January 26, 2026.

Where did the fatal hit-and-run involving Christine Harris occur?

The incident occurred on King Street near Mt. Pleasant Street, in downtown Charleston, specifically as a vehicle was exiting the parking lot of 1227 King Street.

January 28, 2026

Man Charged in Hit-and-Run Death of Charleston Woman

Charleston, South Carolina, January 28, 2026

Authorities in Charleston have charged Trevis Dwayne Deas for leaving the scene of a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 78-year-old Christine Harris. The incident occurred while Ms. Harris was crossing a driveway in downtown Charleston. Deas failed to seek assistance for the victim and fled the scene before returning later. He is currently held at the Al Cannon Detention Center, facing serious legal consequences under South Carolina law.

Charleston Police Charge Man in Fatal Hit-and-Run of 78-Year-Old Woman

Charleston, South Carolina – Authorities in Charleston have announced a significant development in a fatal auto-pedestrian hit-and-run investigation, charging a local man in connection with the death of a 78-year-old woman. Trevis Dwayne Deas, 49, of Charleston, was arrested on January 26, 2026, and subsequently charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death. The charge stems from a collision that occurred over a month ago but saw its investigative breakthrough with the recent arrest.

Details of the Incident and Investigation

The incident that led to the death of Christine Harris, 78, took place on the morning of December 15, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m. in downtown Charleston. According to the Charleston Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), Ms. Harris was struck by a vehicle while crossing a business driveway from the sidewalk. The collision occurred on King Street, near Mt. Pleasant Street, specifically as a vehicle was exiting the parking lot of 1227 King Street. Ms. Harris tragically died at the scene of the accident.

Investigators determined that the driver of the vehicle, identified as Trevis Dwayne Deas, initially fled the scene after striking Ms. Harris. However, Deas reportedly returned to the location several minutes later and acknowledged his involvement in the collision. The subsequent police investigation revealed that Deas failed to seek medical assistance for the victim, contact law enforcement, or provide aid following the crash. This failure to fulfill legal obligations at the scene of an accident led to the formal charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving death.

Deas was taken into custody on January 26, 2026, and is currently being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center. The announcement of the charge was made public on January 27, 2026, marking a critical step in the ongoing legal process. The Charleston Police Department’s MAIT unit continues its work on serious traffic collisions, ensuring thorough investigations into such incidents.

Legal Ramifications of Hit-and-Run Incidents in South Carolina

The charge faced by Trevis Dwayne Deas, leaving the scene of an accident involving death, carries severe legal consequences in South Carolina. State law mandates that any driver involved in a collision must stop their vehicle, remain at the scene, provide their contact information, and render reasonable aid to any injured parties. Failure to adhere to these duties can result in significant criminal penalties, regardless of who was at fault for the accident itself.

In South Carolina, hit-and-run offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties escalating based on the extent of damage or injury caused. For incidents resulting in property damage only, a driver could face up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000. If the accident causes non-serious injury, the offense is a serious misdemeanor, punishable by 30 days to one year in jail, fines between $5,000 and $10,000, and driver’s license revocation. When a hit-and-run results in “great bodily injury,” it is treated as a felony, with potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

However, when a hit-and-run collision leads to a fatality, as in the case of Christine Harris, the penalties are far more stringent. South Carolina law stipulates that a conviction for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death can lead to imprisonment for up to 25 years and fines that can reach up to $25,000. These serious penalties underscore the state’s commitment to holding drivers accountable for their actions and inactions following a collision.

Ongoing Efforts for Pedestrian Safety in Charleston

The tragic death of Christine Harris highlights the critical need for continued focus on pedestrian safety within urban environments like Charleston. The City of Charleston has recognized these challenges and is actively pursuing various initiatives to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. In December 2023, the city was awarded a $120,000 federal grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. This funding is dedicated to developing a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan aimed at identifying and addressing roadway safety issues across Charleston.

The SS4A program aligns with the national goal of achieving zero roadway deaths by adopting a Safe System Approach, and the grant supports Charleston’s efforts to implement future activities to improve road safety. Furthermore, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has proposed significant safety enhancements for several key downtown Charleston streets, including King Street, Meeting Street, Calhoun Street, and Saint Philip Street. These proposed improvements include the installation of high-visibility crosswalks, ADA-compliant ramps, leading pedestrian intervals at traffic signals, and new pavement markings, all designed to make these areas safer for those on foot.

Charleston is also working on broader strategies to encourage alternative modes of transportation and create more walkable and bikeable communities. This includes plans for a dedicated biking and pedestrian bridge across the Ashley River, for which the city received an $18.1 million grant from the U.S. Transportation Department. Such projects aim to provide safe and convenient routes, reducing conflicts between vehicles and vulnerable road users. Community groups are also advocating for local pedestrian safety initiatives, such as a sidewalk project on Sol Legare Road, to improve infrastructure in residential areas. These ongoing efforts reflect a concerted drive to make Charleston’s streets safer for everyone, preventing future tragedies and fostering a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened in Charleston regarding the fatal hit-and-run?: Charleston authorities have charged Trevis Dwayne Deas, 49, of Charleston, with leaving the scene of an accident involving death in connection with the December 15, 2025, death of 78-year-old Christine Harris.
When was the suspect, Trevis Dwayne Deas, arrested?: Trevis Dwayne Deas was arrested on January 26, 2026.
What are the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving death in South Carolina?: In South Carolina, a conviction for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death can lead to imprisonment for up to 25 years and fines that can reach up to $25,000.
What is the City of Charleston doing to improve pedestrian safety?: The City of Charleston was awarded a $120,000 federal grant in December 2023 to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) proposes safety enhancements for downtown streets, including high-visibility crosswalks and leading pedestrian intervals.
Where did the fatal hit-and-run involving Christine Harris occur?: The incident occurred on King Street near Mt. Pleasant Street, in downtown Charleston, specifically as a vehicle was exiting the parking lot of 1227 King Street.

Key Details of the Charleston Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident

Feature	Detail	Scope
Victim’s Name	Christine Harris	Local
Victim’s Age	78 years old	Local
Suspect’s Name	Trevis Dwayne Deas	Local
Suspect’s Age	49 years old	Local
Charge	Leaving the scene of an accident involving death	State-level
Incident Date	December 15, 2025	Local
Arrest Date	January 26, 2026	Local
Location of Incident	King Street near Mt. Pleasant Street, downtown Charleston	Local
Maximum Penalty for Charge	Up to 25 years in prison and $25,000 fine	State-level