BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — A lengthy investigation into organized street racing across the Lowcountry culminated in a coordinated law enforcement operation that resulted in five arrests and could lead to the seizure of vehicles used during the illegal driving exhibition, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the multi-agency operation took place June 27 after investigators gathered intelligence indicating organized street racing groups planned to meet at several locations throughout the region before ultimately gathering in Berkeley County.
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The enforcement effort involved the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, North Charleston Police Department, Summerville Police Department, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
According to investigators, undercover officers spent months gathering intelligence on the groups before coordinating the operation.
Reckless driving observed across multiple counties
Investigators said participants drove recklessly through several jurisdictions during the evening before converging at a private parking lot in the Camp Hall area of Berkeley County.
Law enforcement officers reported witnessing multiple dangerous driving exhibitions, including burnouts, doughnuts, speed contests and other reckless maneuvers.
Authorities also said one vehicle was observed traveling more than 100 mph on Interstate 26 while weaving through traffic with what investigators described as a willful disregard for the safety of other motorists.
Once investigators gathered sufficient evidence, officers moved in and detained those allegedly involved in the illegal exhibition driving event without incident.
Five people charged
The following individuals were arrested and charged under South Carolina’s Roadway Protection and Safety Act:
- Troy Herbert Sanders, 20, of Adams Run
- Joe Simmons, 25, of Ridgeville
- Jackson Segelken, 18, of Summerville
- James Dougherty, 18, of Summerville
- Jimmell Givens-Whaley, 20, of Johns Island
Authorities said additional consequences could follow. Under South Carolina law, vehicles used during illegal street racing activities may be seized and towed.
Technology played key role in investigation
Investigators said the operation relied on a combination of undercover intelligence, aviation resources and video evidence to document the alleged criminal activity.
In addition to aerial surveillance, investigators reviewed publicly available social media videos that helped identify participants and corroborate evidence gathered during the investigation.
Sheriff: Street racing puts lives at risk
Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis said illegal street racing creates unnecessary dangers for participants, spectators and innocent drivers traveling through the area.
“The reckless actions displayed during these events put countless lives at risk,” Lewis said. “Thanks to the outstanding collaboration between our local and state law enforcement partners, we were able to safely bring this event to an end and hold those responsible accountable. We will continue working together to identify and stop dangerous driving behaviors before they result in tragedy.”
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office said organized street racing and exhibition driving remain an enforcement priority and warned that similar operations will continue throughout Berkeley County and the surrounding Lowcountry in an effort to improve roadway safety.
