Across South Carolina

Gunshots hit vehicles, injuring truck driver

GREENVILLE -- Investigators are searching for two vehicles seen along Interstate 85 this week at about the time gunshots struck two other automobiles.

The shots hit a van and a truck, injuring the driver of the truck, Greenville deputies said. Amy Garrett Brock was hurt when flying glass cut her cheek, according to an incident report.

Investigators interviewed po­tential witnesses Friday, and deputies patrolled near the Mauldin Road interchange and state Highway 291 , Greenville County Sheriff's Office spokesman Michael Hilde­brand said.

Two men are cleared of lynching charges

CHARLESTON -- Authorities have dropped lynching charges against two men in the fatal beating of a Ravenal man at the Coastal Carolina Fair last month.

Witnesses who came forward after Donald Duncan Jr., 18, and Timothy Blackburn Jr., 17, were arrested provided investigators information that helped clear the pair, said Charleston County sheriff's Capt. Dana Valentine.

Both men were present when 21-year-old Donald Ches­ser Jr. was attacked Nov. 5, but they didn't take part in the beating, Capt. Valentine said.

Woman's family sues after deadly accident

BALTIMORE -- The family of a woman who died in a fiery crash on Interstate 95 has sued the owner and operator of a tanker truck that plunged off an overpass and into the path of oncoming traffic.

The family of 42-year-old Rita Ann Gall, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., who was driving a truck on I-95, say s she died as a result of negligence by the tanker driver, Jackie Marvin Frost.

Mr. Frost also was killed in the crash, which shut down the interstate near Elkridge for seven hours on Jan. 14.

The relatives are suing Ryder Truck Rental, owner of the gasoline truck, and Petro Chemical Transport Inc., Mr. Frost's employer.

Authorities identify victim of hit-and-run

CHARLESTON -- Authorities have identified a 48-year-old woman who was killed in a hit-and-run in North Charleston.

A fingerprint check helped identify the victim as Willie Mae Brown, who reportedly lived in North Charleston, said Charleston County Deputy Coroner Judy Koelpin.

A passing motorist spotted Ms. Brown's body at about 8 p.m. Tuesday.