Man charged with organizing, promoting recent street party in Sumter

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO)– A local man is charged with organizing and promoting a recent street party in violation of the state’s Roadway Protection Act, says Sumter PD.

Local man charged with organizing and promoting a recent street party in violation of the state’s Roadway Protection Act, says Sumter PD. (Photo: Sumter Police Dept.)

Eric Olander Johnson, 35, turned himself in to police Tuesday morning and was booked at the county detention center.

A warrant was issued for Johnson’s arrest after Sumter Police Department officers identified him as an organizer and promoter of a “street takeover” held Aug. 27 along Atlantic Avenue.

South Carolina recently enacted the Roadway Protection and Safety Act, which defines street takeovers and outlines roles and activities associated with these events that can quickly get out of hand and pose a threat to public safety, says SPD.

Organizers, promoters and participants, etc., can possibily face misdemeanor to felony charges for their involvement.

The Act also allows law enforcement to seize the vehicles involved.

Suspects, if convicted, can be sentenced to hefty fines or imprisonment.

That case remains under investigation.