A South Carolina mayor was killed in a head-on crash while on a “hunt” by law enforcement, a coroner announced, days after the entire town's police department quit.
McCall Mayor George Garner II, 49, died Tuesday afternoon in Mechanicsville when “the vehicle he was driving collided head-on with a truck,” according to Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardy.
“At the time of the incident, Mr. Garner was being pursued by Marlboro County Deputies. This pursuit was not related to any violation of law. The pursuit was conducted to protect Mr. Garner's well-being,” Hardy added. Ta. Explain in detail.
Renee Wunderlich, spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Law Enforcement. told WBTW The agency said it was conducting an “active and ongoing” investigation related to Garner, but could not provide further details. SLED did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment Saturday.
Entire South Carolina police officer resigns
George Garner II, the former mayor of McCall, South Carolina, died in a car accident five days after he resigned from the town's police department. (Marlboro County E911)
The fatal crash occurred after police in McCall, a town of about 2,000 people near the North Carolina border, were off duty last week.
“It is with heavy hearts that I confirm, along with all of my fellow officers, that I am resigning as Chief of Police of the McCall Police Department,” Chief Bob Hale wrote on Facebook. “My personal decision to leave the McCall Police Department stems from repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and the overall creation of a hostile work environment perpetuated by certain City Council members. ”
Mr Hale added that the actions of the unnamed council member had made it impossible for the department to function effectively.
“For months, I have endured unjust and malicious acts aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale continued in the post. “These actions not only affected me personally, but also created a toxic atmosphere that hindered the department's ability to function effectively. Despite our efforts, harassment and hostility continue.”
Hiker killed in small mountain town, arrested for murder in bear attack
The Town of McCall police officer retired last week, days before Mayor George Garner II's death. (McColl City Facebook)
In his statement, Hale also argued that funding has been cut from police budgets and that other important needs of the police department are not being met.
Garner acknowledged Friday that the town no longer has police officers and told WMBF News the community is in a “difficult situation.”
The town later announced Tuesday that the “Marlboro County Sheriff's Department will be stationed in McCall and will respond to all calls from residents.”
Marlboro County Emergency Management/911 said Garner “consistently treated everyone with warmth and respect, and his kindness had a lasting impact on those around him” and “truly remarkable.” “A person who deserves to be.”
Former McCall Police Chief Bob Hale said, “My personal decision to leave the McCall Police Department was made in response to repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and hostility perpetuated by certain City Council members.'' “This may be due to the creation of a more inclusive working environment overall.” (WMBF News)
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“On behalf of Marlboro County E911, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mayor George Garner. Our hearts are heavy during this difficult time and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected. I am dedicating added in the statement. “May we find comfort and strength in each other as we work through this profound loss.”
FOX News' Stephanie Price contributed to this report.
