North Charleston Public Works employee shot, crashed into tree off Dorchester Road

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities are investigating a Thursday morning shooting and crash that involved a North Charleston Public Works employee.

Officers with the North Charleston Police Department responded to a ‘shots fired’ call around 10:49 a.m. and found one of the city’s garbage trucks had been involved in an accident, according to Deputy Chief Angela Johnson. She said the employee was injured inside the truck.

Police believe the employee was collecting garbage on Bayfield Drive when shots were fired that struck the side of the truck.

Deputy Chief Johnson said it was not clear if the employee was shot while outside of the garbage truck; however, they are certain they were shot while inside. The worker was the driver and only occupant.

After being shot, police say the employee tried to leave the scene and then lost control of the vehicle on Dorchester Road not far from Michaux Parkway, where he crashed into a tree.

The employee was taken to Trident Medical Center in critical condition.

An investigation is ongoing. Police believe the shooting was an isolated incident.