Man repeatedly stabbed in head, neck and back receives $22,500 from state

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A man who suffered several stab wounds to his head received a large payout from the state after filing a lawsuit against his apartment complex and the Charleston Police Department.

According to the lawsuit filed back in May 2017, Jeremy Smalls lived at the Charleston Arms Complex, located at 1551 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.

The lawsuit claims Derrick Carter, a resident at the apartment complex, stabbed another resident in the face and stomach in March 2015, but no action was taken by Charleston police to investigate the crime.

In May 2015, Smalls claims Carter stabbed him two times in the neck, two times in the head, one time in the back and one time in the ear.

The lawsuit goes on to claim Smalls overpowered Carter and asked people to call police, who later helped subdue Carter.

Smalls said he was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries.

The lawsuit claims Charleston police did not arrange a photo lineup of suspects until about 10 months after the attack on the first resident and eight months after the attack on Smalls.

Public records from the state’s Insurance Reserve Fund show after the state spent more than $37,000 in legal fees, Smalls received a $22,500 payout for the incident.

A spokesperson for the Charleston Police Department said he will provide us with a statement about this case in the future.

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