Child killed in hit and run; suspect still at large – The Augusta Chronicle

By Michael DeWitt and Mae Frances Bing| Augusta Chronicle

A 4-year-old child and his dog were killed during a hit-and-run incident, and another person was injured, leaving family, police and the community searching for answers and justice.

Hampton County EMS, first responders and law enforcement responded to a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident around 5:46 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 348 Palmetto Avenue, Varnville, near the Varnville Gazebo.

Responders found that a four-year-old, JaKarie Breland, of 65 Middle Street, Varnville, was riding his bicycle with his dog and his uncle, Delante Chisolm, 44, when all three were struck by a vehicle that had reportedly left the scene after impact.

According to EMS and Varnville Police Department reports, Hampton County Emergency Management Division Director Susanne Peeples happened to be in the area with her grandchildren to enjoy the Christmas light display at the Varnville Gazebo and was the first on the scene. Peeples started CPR on Breland until EMS units arrived.

Breland was then transported to Hampton Regional Medical Center before being flown by helicopter to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where he died around 2 a.m. Sunday, said Hampton County Coroner Angela Topper.

Chisolm was transported to HRMC and treated for minor injuries. The boys dog, Sugar, died at the scene.

As of press time on Wednesday, no driver has come forward to take responsibility and no suspects have been charged. The hit and run incident remains under investigation by the Varnville Police Department, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

We want justice for JaKarie and his uncle, and we want his mother to have clarity and get some answers, said Varnville Police Chief Tyrone Smith.

Smith said that police are searching for a dark-in-color car, possibly a sedan, with possible damage down low or underneath the vehicle.

I believe the driver panicked, or maybe was intoxicated or driving under suspension, but that doesnt give them the right to not stop and render aid for this boy.

Smith thanks the Hampton Police Department and the Hampton County Sheriffs Office for their assistance in this ongoing investigation, and praised the response by EMD Director Peeples, who initially brought Breland back from an unresponsive state, according to reports.

I commend Mrs. Susanne for the great work she did to render CPR and aid to JaKarie and his family, said Smith. She did a great job, and I am so proud to say that I work with her. Im so grateful for her, and Hampton County should be proud to have her. But the focus isnt on us, its about finding justice for JaKarie, and thats what we are going to do.

The VPD and assisting agencies is out and about in the community conducting the investigation, and are speaking to area residents and local auto body shop businesses. Police are encouraging residents and businesses to report any type of damages that are found, and reports can be made anonymously by calling the VPD at 803-943-2979, or the Hampton County 911 Dispatch at 803-943-9261, or by calling any local police department or authority that you feel comfortable speaking with.

An angel taken too soon

The Hampton County Guardian correspondent Mae Frances Bing spoke with Brelands sister, Diamond Hamilton, to learn more about this young man whose life was taken too soon. Hamilton described Breland as a smart, very curious, caring and loving boy who loved pizza, pancakes and French fries.

He loved to go outside, play with his toys, watch things on his tablet, and he loved to learn, ride his bike and paint, said Hamilton. His favorite cartoons were Peppa Pig and he loved Super Ranger Mini Force. His favorite cartoon characters were Marshall and Chase from Paw Patrol.

Breland also loved his dog and enjoyed walking him often, with the help of his family members.

Breland is the son of Aketa Davis, of Varnville, and Dyshawn Breland. He also leaves behind a nephew, Cannon Risher, and a baby brother.

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Child killed in hit and run; suspect still at large - The Augusta Chronicle