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West Ashley Man Arrested In Hit-And-Run Deaths Of 2 Stratford High Teens

Pictured: Bernis Webb Jr. (Via Charleston County Sheriff's Office)
Pictured: Bernis Webb Jr. (Via Charleston County Sheriff’s Office)

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–A West Ashley man has been charged in connection with the hit-and-run deaths of two Stratford High School Students, according to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities arrested Bernis Webb Jr., 48, at his home on Cornflower Court in Charleston on Thursday.

Deandre Richardson, 16, and Leonardo Suarez-Perez, 15, both of Summerville, died of blunt force injuries as a result of the hit-and-run accident on Hwy 162 in Hollywood on Saturday night.

Deputies say that shortly before 10:00 p.m., witnesses saw the teens riding their skateboards when they were both struck by the driver of a Jeep Wrangler. They say the vehicle was seen driving recklessly just before it struck the two boys, making an attempt to pass another vehicle.

Pictured L to R: Leonardo Noe Suarez Perez and DeAndre Anthony Richardson (Via Rivers Funeral Home)
Pictured L to R: Leonardo Noe Suarez Perez and DeAndre Anthony Richardson (Via Rivers Funeral Home)

Officers say that after striking the two pedestrians, the driver, while in the Jeep Wrangler, fled the scene.

During an active search of the nearby area, deputies were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle abandoned in the 7900 block of SC Highway 164. Shortly after locating the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle reported it stolen to the Charleston Police Department.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Webb’s vehicle was not stolen and that he filed a false police report with the Charleston Police Department.

Webb is charged with two counts of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. He is being held at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. His bond hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

Deputies say the investigation is on-going and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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