The mayor of a South Carolina town whose entire police force resigned in anger at local authorities was killed in a car crash during a “hunt” and investigation by other law enforcement agencies, according to reports.
McCall Mayor George Garner II, 49, was killed Tuesday afternoon when his 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe collided head-on with an 18-wheeler. It came just five days after Police Chief Bob Hale and five officers stunned the small town by resigning.
The newly elected mayor was being “hunted” by Marlboro County sheriff's deputies when he crashed. the investigating coroner said.
“This pursuit is not related to any violation of law. The pursuit was conducted to protect Mr. Garner's health,” the coroner said, without elaborating on what was involved. More information about exactly how he died will be released soon, the coroner said.
After his death, it was revealed that the mayor was also involved in an active investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. [SLED],sauce told WBTWDetails of the investigation were not disclosed. SLED did not immediately respond to a request for information Friday.
Garner recently won re-election in the town of about 2,000 residents.
But the entire police force resigned last Thursday, sparking a local crisis, with Chief Hale accusing harassment by unidentified members of creating a “hostile work environment.”
This created a “toxic atmosphere that hindered the effective functioning of the department,” the former chief said in a statement on social media.
“Despite our efforts to address these issues through professional and appropriate channels, harassment and hostility continue,” he said, while also complaining about funding cuts.
Garner said at the time that his sudden resignation had put the town in a “difficult situation,” but that he had no ill will toward the chief.
“I hate to see them go. They were a great group, but we're going to keep going,” Garner said, vowing to hire more officers.
After Gunner's death, Brian Blue assumed the role of mayor.
“I know this is a difficult time for our town, but we as a council and I as mayor pro tempore will continue to fight for you,” said Interim Mayor Brian Blue. promised residents in a statement: According to WPDE.
The accident remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The Post has contacted the agency for additional information.
Garner's funeral will be held at McCall Church of God on December 3 at 2 p.m. According to Garner's obituary,.
