Charleston County Pilots detail role in finding Sullivan’s Island suspect during manhunt

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – After an hours-long manhunt for the suspect accused of striking three people with a car on Sullivan’s Island last Thursday, the team inside the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office’s Air 1 helicopter is sharing how they were able to bring that search to an end.

Charleston County Sheriff’s Office started using the Air 1 in January, a new state-of-the-art helicopter, that helped track down Justin Collin Adams.

According to authorities, Justin Collin Adams intentionally hit three people – including two children – with his car and fled the scene at Sunrise Presbyterian Church. An hours-long manhunt ensued, with over 22 agencies looking for Adams on Sullivan’s Island. Charleston County brought their Air 1 helicopter to the scene where they were able to track down Adams hiding in a boat docked at a home near the church in 15 minutes.

“I got a ripped cover, why don’t we check inside there, and we noticed there was red fabric visible underneath the ripped area. As soon as we got the sensors onto that and were able to pick out, that’s not just fabric that’s an elbow as well, started coordinating the nearest ground units to come rendezvous to take custody as the suspect,” said Lt. Alex Fulford, one of the helicopter pilots.

The camera used on the Air 1 to find Adams was developed in New Zealand by the same people who developed the camera for the Lord of the Rings series. Authorities say it is only the second helicopter to have this type of camera and only law enforcement helicopter with it.

Sheriff Carl Ritchie says this new technology will be available to assist across the Lowcountry.

“Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, we’re fortunate enough to have these types of assets that are available to all of our agencies in the Lowcountry and the tri-county area; when someone needs assistance, we’re there,” said Sheriff Ritchie.

Lt. Alex Fulford and Lt. Shawn James of Charleston County flew the helicopter while Sgt. Elias Shafer from Sullivan’s Island kept watch, ultimately bringing Adams to justice.

“The first thing is relief when you capture someone as dangerous as this guy was and then the next thing that goes through your mind is safety. How do you take him into custody and make sure no one is injured, and then after that is elation. How can you not be excited about finding this guy and capturing him before something else may have happened,” said Lt. Shawn James, a helicopter pilot.

Charleston County Officials say additional charges may be served to Adams. He has already been charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree assault and battery.