South Carolina gave police a specific street-takeover law this year. Charleston County did not have to wait long to use it.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office made three arrests on September 6 after an investigation into an illegal takeover on Storage Road in Hollywood. Deputies also impounded a 2017 Dodge Charger and recovered a Glock handgun fitted with an automatic switch.
South Carolina enacted the Roadway Protection and Safety Act in May. It makes organizing, participating in, or aiding a street takeover a criminal offense.
Sheriff Carl Ritchie promised “aggressive action” against illegal takeovers, while distinguishing them from lawful car gatherings. “You’re not taking over streets, you’re not illegally street racing and putting other people in danger,” he told WCBD. “That’s your opportunity to show off what you’re proud of.”
Three Ways In
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Charleston County jail records identify Zamir Xavier Jenkins, Jahntavious Tyrik Rhett, and Jaylen Lamar Whitfield, all 20.
Jenkins and Rhett each picked up a first-offense street takeover charge, though under different provisions. Jenkins was charged as an aider or abettor, along with resisting arrest. His bonds totaled $7,100: $5,000 on the resisting charge and $2,100 on a personal-recognizance bond for the takeover count.
Rhett was charged as a participant, along with unlawfully storing or possessing a machine gun or sawed-off shotgun. His bonds totaled $12,100: $10,000 on the firearm charge and another $2,100 personal-recognizance bond. Both men were released September 7.
Whitfield faced one charge of receiving stolen goods valued at $2,000 or less. The sheriff’s office identified the property as a Glock .40-caliber pistol. His bond was $2,100, which he posted before his September 8 release.
Hollywood Needs a Drag Strip
One commenter beneath an ABC 4 News post offered a concise prescription: “Hollywood needs a drag strip.”
There is some history behind the suggestion. In July 2020, Hollywood Mayor John Dunmyer III told the Town Council that the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office had received reports of cars racing on Storage Road. He called it a serious safety concern and asked council members for help.
Charleston County was also far from the only place making arrests over Labor Day weekend. In Greenville County, deputies arrested 80 adults and multiple juveniles after another takeover, impounded 38 vehicles, and seized 10 firearms. Authorities said all 80 adults were charged with aiding and abetting a street takeover.
An arrest or criminal charge is not a finding of guilt. A person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.