Former State Senator Involved in Hit-and-Run Incident

Charges Brought

John Robert Kuhn, a former state senator of South Carolina, was arrested and booked at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center on March 14 on charges of hit-and-run with property damage to an attended vehicle and improper passing. According to jail records, the ex-senator was released the same day on $10,232 bond. The Charleston Police Department reported that the incident took place on March 7 just before 4 p.m.

Outlining the Incident

The incident involved a teenage driver who reported being hit by a vehicle that took advantage of an improper passing opportunity in downtown Charleston. The teen, who is under 18, told the police she was waiting to make a left turn on Columbus Street when Kuhn’s vehicle, a Range Rover, struck her driver’s sideview mirror and sped away. Kuhn was later identified as the driver.

Good Samaritan Knocked Down

While trying to escape the aftermath of the hit-and-run, Kuhn ended up stopped at a traffic signal on Meeting Street. An unknown civilian stepped forward and stood before Kuhn’s vehicle, challenging him about the collision. Kuhn drove off, knocking the man down in the process. This act was caught on a cell phone camera and later provided to the officers.

The Aftermath of the Incident

Footage from traffic cameras was used to identify Kuhn as the driver involved in the accident. When confronted by police, Kuhn admitted he had been present at the location of the incident. He recounted an individual who approached his vehicle in an erratic manner, but claimed ignorance of striking the teen’s vehicle, promising to cover the damages caused.

Previous Run-Ins with the Law

Interestingly, Kuhn is no stranger to law enforcement officials when it comes to traffic violations. One officer noted that he had stopped Kuhn multiple times due to various violations committed in the same Range Rover. A glimpse into Kuhn’s past reveals a string of motor vehicle incidents on his record. His driving history includes 14 citations for 16 separate traffic violations dating back to 2008. This includes four counts of careless driving since 2008, and five counts of speeding since 2013. In addition, Kuhn has been attributed as the cause of three separate traffic collisions since 2017.

Kuhn’s Response and Current Duties

Despite multiple attempts to reach out for his comments, John Kuhn did not respond to the charges against him and the allegations in the police report. He currently serves as the managing partner of the Kuhn & Kuhn Law Firm and represented parts of Berkeley County and Charleston County from 2001 to 2004 as a state senator.

Victims of such incidents are encouraged to report them promptly to the police. Drivers are also reminded to adhere strictly to driving regulations and standards, in order to maintain a safe and accident free network of road users.