A small town mayor in South Carolina was killed Tuesday during a high speed pursuit with law enforcement just five days after his town’s entire police force resigned.
McColl Mayor George Garner II, 49, died Tuesday in a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler while being followed by police. McColl’s police department had all resigned amid allegations of harassment and hostile working conditions just last week.
Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee emphasized the pursuit by a Marlboro County deputy wasn’t criminal in nature but “to protect the well-being of Mr. Garner.”
Sources confirmed Garner had been a suspect in an “active and ongoing” investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
The tragedy followed the dramatic resignation of Police Chief Bob Hale and his five officers on November 21.
“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale wrote on Facebook, citing “repeated acts of harassment” from a town council member who also cut police funding.
“These actions have not only affected me personally but have also created a toxic atmosphere that has hindered the department’s ability to function effectively,” Hale added. Court documents revealed similar tensions under the previous chief, who resigned in June over a “hostile work environment” allegedly created by Garner.
Before his death, Garner acknowledged the resignations created a “difficult situation” but expressed no animosity. “I hate to see them go. They were a great group. But we’re gonna continue on,” he said.
The town announced last week that the nearby Marlboro County Sheriff’s Department would handle its police calls in the meantime.