Driver charged after moped rider dies in Hwy 61 wreck

CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) - The Charleston County Sheriff's Office has charged the SUV driver they say rear-ended a moped and killed its driver early Tuesday on Highway 61.

Deputies have charged 43-year-old Sidney E. Son Jr., of Summerville, with felony driving under the influence. Authorities say Son was charged while he was in the hospital due to the injuries he sustained in the accident, which happened around 12:05 a.m.

Witnesses told deputies that Son was traveling at a high rate of speed and passing several cars on Highway 61 near Magnolia Plantation at the time of the wreck. When Son's SUV returned to the right lane, he struck a moped which was driven by 59-year-old Dwight Ives, of Summerville, according to authorities.

An incident report states Son's SUV then left the roadway and struck a tree.

Ives suffered fatal in juries in the accident, while Son suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina. Investigators at the scene said Son had bloodshot, watery eyes and had an odor of alcohol coming from him.

Son was released from the hospital and transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center on Tuesday afternoon. He was given a bond of $52,249 Wednesday morning.

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