On a quiet Tuesday night in Charleston, South Carolina, a serious DUI incident disrupted the lives of two local police officers. Around 10:20 p.m., a vehicle slammed into the back of a Charleston Police Department car, leaving two officers injured and sending a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving and the importance of Public Safety.
According to official statements, the driver, Quintero Pedro Trejos, was arrested at the scene and charged with DUI 1st offense by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. While both injured officers were transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, this drunk driver accident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with suspicion of driving under the influence on South Carolina roads.The Incident and Police Investigation
The Charleston PD reported that officers were assisting with a disabled vehicle on the roadside. This is a routine response to call to ensure traffic flows safely and prevent hazards like a vehicle fire or additional traffic crash.
What began as a routine stop escalated into a dangerous moment. Trejos allegedly collided with the rear of the police vehicle, leaving both officers injured. Emergency crews transported them to a local hospital, and they are expected to fully recover.
Trejos was taken to the Al Cannon Detention Center and later released on a personal recognizance bond. The case will now move through the South Carolina judicial system, where DUI charges carry significant penalties.
This Police Investigate case reinforces how quickly a single moment of impaired judgment can threaten lives and community Public Safety.
Understanding DUI Risks in South Carolina
Driving under the influence is a serious offense, and traffic offenses like this can escalate when injuries occur. South Carolina law defines DUI as operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
Penalties increase if failure to yield, Head-on collision, or other reckless conduct causes harm. Some DUI cases in other jurisdictions even result in Aggravated DUI Causing Death or Reckless Homicide, especially when dead and mangled bodies are involved.
While this Mount Pleasant-area incident ended with only minor injuries, it still serves as a clear warning.
Public Safety and Community Concerns
Incidents like this can shake a community. In cities like Mount Pleasant Street, Rogers Park, or near Dorchester Road, residents depend on Law enforcement to maintain safety.
High-risk DUI incidents can impact:
- Traffic flow on Westbound lanes
- Emergency responses near Saint Francis Hospital or Tampa Bay Hospitals
- Events like Juneteenth Celebration, Operation: Zero Proof, or Tampa Pride Street Festival where impaired driving risk rises
- Patrol initiatives like Law Enforcement Torch Run and High-Visibility Patrol that aim to deter offenders
Legal and Investigative Follow-Up
Trejos’ vehicle, reportedly a Toyota Camry, will be examined as part of the ongoing Police Investigate process. Officers also note that open bottles of beer or other evidence could increase penalties.
Other cases have involved Chevrolet Malibu, GMC Sierra, and even Child Safety Seat misuse during DUI arrests. Nationwide, tools like Body Worn Camera and ShotSpotter alerts assist Law enforcement in gathering critical evidence.
This Charleston case demonstrates that Downtown Public Safety Center coordination, South Side Entertainment Patrol, and interagency efforts with groups like Tampa Police Department or Lake County Sheriff’s Office play a role in broader prevention efforts.
Lessons for Drivers
This incident, while not as tragic as a Head-on collision on Interstate 70 or Green Bay Road, is still a wake-up call.
Drivers should:
- Avoid drunk driving at all costs.
- Use rideshare services when attending events like Tampa Convention Center gatherings or Tampa Riverwalk nightlife.
- Recognize that traffic crash consequences extend beyond fines they affect lives and Public Safety.
