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Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Rocks Florence Community

The Florence community grieves after the tragic hit-and-run incident.

News Summary

A devastating hit-and-run incident in Florence has left the community in mourning. Jonathan Mendez, a 30-year-old bicycle rider, was killed when struck by a vehicle. Authorities swiftly apprehended the suspects involved. This tragic event has sparked discussions on road safety and accountability in the community as investigations continue.

Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Rocks Florence Community

Florence has seen a whirlwind of events recently as authorities work diligently to bring justice after a devastating hit-and-run incident that has left many grieving. It all started on a fateful evening, June 6, when a bicycle rider named Jonathan Mendez, only 30 years old, was struck and tragically killed.

Manhunt Unfolds in the Wake of the Crash

Just as the sun began to set on a Tuesday evening, the scene of the crime turned into a frantic manhunt near Alligator Road. Florence County deputies were on high alert after responding to the crash along I-95. A quick-thinking team comprised of K-9 and tracking specialists joined forces with the South Carolina Highway Patrol and S.C. State Transport Police to find the individual who had run from the scene.

As night fell, their efforts paid off when the suspect was located and taken into custody. This intense search operation highlights the commitment of the local authorities to ensure that justice is served. The community can rest a little easier knowing that law enforcement is taking this matter seriously.

Charges Filed Against Two Suspects

The investigation didn’t stop there. Over the course of the following days, detectives zeroed in on two men who were involved in another hit-and-run incident earlier in June. The primary suspect, Meredith Cannon, 45, has faced serious charges, which include hit-and-run involving death, driving on a suspended license, and failing to provide information or render aid after the accident. It’s a reminder to all that fleeing the scene of such incidents can have deep, lasting repercussions.

The secondary suspect, Kenneth Burks, 56, is embroiled in the controversy as well, charged with permitting an unauthorized person to drive and being an accessory after the fact to murder. It appears his involvement extended beyond mere passenger status, as he reportedly drove the vehicle back home post-crash.

The Heartbreaking Incident

This shocking hit-and-run unfolded on Howe Springs Road at around 10:30 PM on that unfortunate night. Mendez, simply riding his bicycle, was struck, and Cannon’s decision to flee the scene only added to the community’s outrage. Various eyewitness reports and surveillance footage indicated that the vehicle at fault was a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu, estimated to be between the years 2016 and 2018, with noticeable damage to its front end.

Legal Consequences and Community Response

As the days went by following the crash, anxiety and anger brewed within the community. Police shifted gears from searching for a person of interest to finally nabbing both Cannon and Burks on Thursday morning. Currently, Cannon is being held at the Florence County Detention Center with a hefty bond set at $30,500, while Burks managed to post his bond of $6,200 and is now a free man, at least for the moment.

Ongoing Investigation

Florence’s law enforcement agencies are determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest for justice. The Fatal Accident Investigation Team is delving deeper into the details of this grievous incident. As the community mourns the untimely loss of Jonathan Mendez, the conversations surrounding road safety, accountability, and the consequences of reckless driving have become increasingly important.

This painful event serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of being responsible on the roads. Florence residents and officials alike are hoping that those who come forward with information can help paint a clearer picture, ensuring that justice is served not just for Jonathan, but for the peace and safety of the entire community.