- 77° Rain
-
Charleston, SC (29403)
Today
Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 81F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Significant flooding is expected..
Tonight
Periods of rain. Low around 75F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Localized flooding is expected.
Updated: August 7, 2024 @ 11:18 am
- Full Forecast
-
Aiken County Public School District operating on a two-hour delay Aug. 7
Buy Now
- File/Grace Beahm Alford/Staff
Top Story
Mitchell Black
City of Hampton Police Chief Perry McAlhaney started cutting down a tree with a chainsaw, but that's not why he was arrested Aug. 1.
The State Law Enforcement Division arrested him because there was a man sitting in that tree.
McAlhaney has been charged with third-degree assault and battery, a misdemeanor that carries a fine less than $500, a prison sentence under 30 days or both.
The man in the tree, whose identity was redacted in the SLED affidavit, was a deer hunter who had paid a Varnville resident $500 for access to their property. He was sitting in a deer stand in a tree last November when McAlhaney, who lives next door, accused him of trespassing.
McAlhaney then fetched a chainsaw and started cutting.
The hunter got it all on camera, but the footage is not included in the SLED news release.
Today's Top Headlines
Story continues below
-
2 principals resign after back-to-school photos showing SC teachers as Border Patrol agents
-
How a former SC mill town is becoming a hot spot for thrill seekers and nature enthusiasts
-
Live updates: Charleston lifts curfew as Tropical Storm Debby swings out into Atlantic
-
Tropical Storm Debby drenches South Carolina as it prepares for a second strike
-
Aug. 6: Charleston extends curfew as Tropical Storm Debby brings heavy rain, reported tornadoes
-
Aiken resident's search for Amelia Earhart featured in Discovery Channel documentary
-
Judge in Clemson's case vs. ACC points to lack of venue clause in ESPN agreements
-
Why is the Coburg Cow Charleston's storm meter? A little history on Bessie.
-
These Myrtle Beach radio hosts were on the air for decades. They lost their jobs last week.
-
Flight cancelations continue to grow at Charleston and Myrtle Beach airports
Uncovered
Answers could soon be coming in search for Hampton County's missing millions
- By Mitchell Blackmblack@postandcourier.com
After SLED read McAlhaney his Miranda rights, the police chief admitted to attempting to cut down the tree with the hunter in it, according to the affidavit. McAlhaney said he knew he could have caused serious injury or death to the hunter if he successfully severed the trunk.
McAlhaneywas released after paying a $1,087.50 bond, and instructed not to contact the victim or victim's family.
The Post and Courier reached out to the city of Hampton for comment but the call was not returned. Hampton's police department did not pick up the phone when a reporter called minutes before its business hours ended.
McAlhaney has been police chief in Hampton for over a decade, though it's not immediately clear how long. In 2009, he was involved in the investigation of an arson case at the home ofAlex Murdaugh, Hampton’s most infamous native son who is now serving two life sentences without parole in a South Carolina state prison for the 2021 murders of his wife and son.
Mitchell Black
- Author email
Similar Stories
One more thing to worry about: Sewage seeps into Beaufort County floodwater
The Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority reported that its sewage system was flooded by rain from Tropical Storm Debbie. The public is urged to avoid contact with floodwaters as it's likely contaminated with raw sewage. Read moreOne more thing to worry about: Sewage seeps into Beaufort County floodwater
Runners, bikers and surfers enjoy Hilton Head outdoors amid light Debby damage
While Tropical Storm Debby wallops the Palmetto State coast, damage on Hilton Head was minimal, allowing bikers, runners and surfers to take to the outdoors. Read moreRunners, bikers and surfers enjoy Hilton Head outdoors amid light Debby damage
Beaufort County opens 2 emergency shelters as Debby stalls over coastal SC
Two emergency shelters have opened in Beaufort County as Tropical Storm Debby brings potentially record breaking rainfall to coastal South Carolina.Emergency officials urge coastal residents stay off the roads as much as possible. Read moreBeaufort County opens 2 emergency shelters as Debby stalls over coastal SC
Tropical Storm Debby lives up to the hype and wallops Beaufort County. It's far from over.
After 24 hours of near nonstop rain, Beaufort County has, so far, escaped serious damage as Tropical Storm Debby continues to dump hour after hour of rain on the region. Read moreTropical Storm Debby lives up to the hype and wallops Beaufort County. It's far from over.
Editor's Picks
Top Story Editor's Pick
What does a cellphone ban mean? Here's what South Carolina kids headed back to school need to know
Top Story Editor's Pick
Why is the Coburg Cow Charleston's storm meter? A little history on Bessie.
Top Story Editor's Pick
The Army is struggling to recruit new soldiers. How does Fort Jackson stack up?
Top Story Editor's Pick
Firing squad. Electric chair. Lethal injection. Here's how'd they work in South Carolina.
, Post and Courier, an Evening Post Publishing Newspaper Group. All rights reserved. | Terms of Sale | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
