McColl, South Carolina – The town of McColl, South Carolina, was rocked by tragedy as Mayor George Garner II tragically passed away during a police pursuit. Just days prior, the entire police force had resigned due to what was described as a “hostile work environment.” The pursuit ended in a fatal head-on collision with an 18-wheeler, with sources indicating that Garner was connected to an active investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. While details of the investigation remain unclear, the coroner stated that the pursuit was not related to any laws being broken but rather was an effort to protect Garner’s well-being.
The series of events began on November 21 when Police Chief Bob Hale and all five officers resigned from their positions, citing repeated acts of harassment and personal attacks on their character by a town council member. Hale also mentioned that the council member had cut the police department’s funding, which hindered their ability to serve the citizens of McColl. This was not the first time the town’s police department had faced conflict, as the former police chief had resigned earlier in the year due to a hostile work environment caused by Mayor Garner.
Garner, who had recently won re-election in the small town of 2,000 residents, leaves behind a legacy of controversy and turmoil within the McColl community. The incident has raised questions about the state of law enforcement and leadership in the town, as well as concerns about the well-being of its residents in the absence of a functioning police force. As investigations into both the pursuit and the previous allegations of harassment continue, residents are left grappling with the aftermath of these tragic events and looking for answers to the underlying issues that have plagued their town.