1/26 NEWSBREAK: James Island woman nets 4 DUI charges in 'Widowmaker' crash

Charleston police on Thursday announced the arrest of a 26-year-old James Island woman on four felony driving under the influence charges in connection with a Nov. 18 accident that left four dead, including two brothers.

“This devastating collision has inflicted unimaginable pain and loss upon the families of the victims. It was not just tragic and senseless but also entirely preventable,” Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker said in a press release. “Our deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those whose lives were so abruptly taken. This incident illustrates the dire consequences of impaired and reckless driving – a harsh reality that should remind us all of the responsibility we hold when behind the wheel.”

About 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 18, a white Cadillac SUV ran into a large oak tree known as the “Widowmaker” on Riverland Drive near George Griffith Boulevard. One of the parents of two sons killed in the wreck has since asked for the tree to be removed as a hazard, as reported Dec. 22 in the City Paper.

Charged in the wreck on Riverland Drive was Brittney Nicole Roper, who was being held this morning at the Al Cannon Detention Center after reportedly being denied bond Thursday afternoon.

According to the department, authorities found the vehicle on its side on Nov. 18. The four passengers – Tyler Barron, Earl Hamilton Jr., James Hamilton and Mitchell Watson – were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead on the scene.

Police said an investigation showed a toxicology report indicated Roper had a blood alcohol level of 0.09% and the presence of THC and THC metabolites. Police said the vehicle was traveling between 79 mph and 88 mph at the time of the crash. The posted speed limit is 40 mph.

In today’s City Paper:

CP CARTOONS:

CP FOCUS: Checking in on Charleston’s independent restaurants. In any food-driven city — but especially one as competitive as Charleston — owning a restaurant is not only a gamble, but a constant commitment.

CP NEWS: Parents, advocates decry bill banning youth gender-affirming care. 47 people, including doctors, advocates and parents, braved the weather to advocate for transgender children Jan. 9. They opposed House Bill 4624, which, if passed, would ban gender-affirming care for minors and individuals younger than 26 who receive Medicaid.

CP FOOD: Da Toscano Porchetta Shop feeds a need. Chef and owner of new sandwich shop da Toscano Porchetta Shop, Michael Toscano, wants guests to grab great sandwiches — and have an excellent experience while they’re at it.

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