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Tragic Police Pursuit Ends in Death and Injuries in Charleston

Emergency responders at the scene of a tragic police pursuit incident in Charleston

News Summary

A police chase involving a U-Haul truck in downtown Charleston resulted in one fatality and seven injuries. The driver, Maggie Brown, was arrested after crashing into pedestrians and vehicles while fleeing police. Authorities are investigating the incident and assessing the risks of such high-speed pursuits in urban areas.

Charleston, South Carolina – A police pursuit involving a U-Haul truck ended tragically on April 26, 2025, resulting in one death and seven injuries in downtown Charleston. The incident unfolded around 5 p.m. when the truck collided with pedestrians and multiple vehicles after fleeing from police. The driver, 54-year-old Maggie Brown, was arrested and is currently in custody as investigations continue.

The chaotic pursuit commenced at approximately 4:46 p.m. when North Charleston police attempted to pull the U-Haul over near the intersection of Dorchester Road and Meeting Street. Brown ignored the traffic stop, prompting the police to initiate a chase. The pursuit reached high speeds of 70 to 77 mph as the truck drove onto I-26 eastbound toward downtown Charleston. For roughly six and a half minutes, officers followed the vehicle until they discontinued the chase near King and Columbus streets due to departmental policy restrictions.

Shortly after the pursuit ended, Brown turned onto Meeting Street and crashed near the intersection with Reid Street. First responders received multiple emergency calls at 5 p.m., with bystanders reporting the urgent need for ambulances due to injured pedestrians and damaged vehicles. Multiple ambulances were dispatched, and by 5:24 p.m., they began transporting the seven injured individuals to nearby hospitals.

At the crash site, witnesses reported a scene of devastation, with at least one confirmed fatality and several individuals requiring urgent medical attention. The details of those injured have not yet been released, but emergency services confirmed they were taken to local hospitals for further treatment. The police pursuit’s decision to end was consistent with departmental policies that disallowed city police engagement in the chase.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation as authorities assess the full impact on the involved parties. While specific details regarding the identity of the deceased and the nature of the injuries sustained by the seven individuals remain unclear, community members have expressed shock and sorrow over the incident.

This tragic event underscores the dangers associated with high-speed police pursuits in urban areas, particularly as they can lead to unexpected outcomes involving innocent bystanders. Authorities are expected to evaluate their policies and procedures regarding vehicle pursuits, especially in densely populated areas where the risks to public safety increase significantly.

As the investigation continues, the Charleston community is left to reflect on the grave consequences of the pursuit and the need for careful consideration of public safety during law enforcement operations.