Tragic Incident Sparks Lawsuit in North Charleston Over Police Response and Public Safety Concerns

Tragic Incident Sparks Lawsuit in North Charleston

North Charleston, S.C. – A tragic event occurring late last year is now the focus of a lawsuit that raises serious concerns about public safety and police response. It was a dark night in November 2022 when Say’von Wright’s life took a devastating turn, and his family is now seeking answers and justice.

According to the lawsuit filed by Wright’s mother on his behalf, the night began when he drove to an unofficial boat ramp at the end of Flynn Drive, not knowing what awaited him as he ventured into the waters of the Ashley River. Eyewitness accounts suggest that after exiting his car, Wright called out for help and then suddenly vanished beneath the water. How did it all go wrong?

A Suspicious Night

It all started around 3:00 a.m. when Wright reportedly knocked on the door of a nearby home, but no one answered. Confused and perhaps looking for help, he returned to his parked car. The lawsuit notes that he was likely unfamiliar with the area, which only heightened his sense of confusion.

The situation took a dramatic turn when the residents of the home he approached called the police. Once officers arrived and spotted Wright, the lawsuit claims he became frightened—likely not knowing where he was. Instead of helping him, police allegedly pursued him at a high rate of speed, as described in the lawsuit.

The Wait for Rescue

Things went from bad to worse. While distressing search efforts unfolded later that day for Wright in the river, he was nowhere to be found. Tragically, his vehicle—a stolen Mercedes-Benz—became a focal point for the police investigation. This brings us to the crux of the lawsuit, which asserts that officers took no immediate action to assist Wright while he was in the water.

Eyewitnesses and the video recordings from police body cameras suggest a grim reality: the officers appeared to treat the situation as a hunt for a fleeing suspect rather than a desperate search for a drowning victim. According to the legal filing, “any rescue attempts didn’t start until 10 minutes after seeing Wright in the dark waters.” This lengthy delay raises crucial questions about police protocols and training in emergency situations.

Responsibility on Multiple Fronts

The lawsuit isn’t just targeting the North Charleston Police Department; it also points fingers at the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). The suit alleges that SCDOT was negligent in its duty to secure the poorly marked boat ramp, which, according to the family’s attorney, represents a “known danger.”

The only signage present at the ramp warns against littering and states that the boat landing is closed at dark and is for residents only. Such limited information raises eyebrows about the safety measures—or lack thereof—put in place to protect visitors and locals alike.

A Family’s Fight for Justice

Nearly two years have passed since that fateful night, and Wright’s family is now demanding justice. The lawsuit, filed on November 5, 2024, seeks damages for the emotional devastation caused by the incident, as well as legal fees related to pursuing these claims. They are determined to shine a light on the dangers present and hold authorities accountable for their actions—or lack of actions—in a crisis.

This tragedy has not only left a family grieving but has sparked discussions around safety measures at public access points and the responsibilities of law enforcement during emergencies. As the legal battle unfolds, many in the community are left asking how a night that started with confusion ended in such heartache.