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On Thursday (February 15, 2024), eye-witnesses to a broadside collision outside of The Palmetto Club in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, found themselves on the receiving end of nonsensical threats from a “very smart” companion of the liable driver’s family.
Did the author of this article mention he was one of those eye-witnesses? Or that the companion’s “promise” against his life — for merely observing his family’s otherwise unremarkable crash — was the second such threat against his life that week?
The unfortunate reality of journalism is that correspondents are confronted, intimidated and attacked by subjects every damn day. So much so, that it’s unrealistic for watchdogs to keep track of every criminal threat received while safeguarding the Fourth Estate.
Of interest? Since venturing into the genteel world of journalism, the author has been so fortunate as to receive threats from universities, entertainment companies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, entrepreneurs, criminal defendants and duly elected public servants.
It is the author’s contention that sensible journalists are not only unperturbed by such individuals or entities, but emboldened by the cosmic stupidity of their comments … bringing with it bombshell exposés beyond their wildest comprehension.
Which brings us back to Thursday …
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At approximately 9:49 p.m. EST, a 2021 BMW X5 ran a red light at the intersection of Sumter and Lady Street — pulverizing an elderly gentleman’s vehicle before catching-air and slamming into the Palmetto Club, a member-owned social and dining society in Columbia.
“There’s an easier way to get into The Palmetto Club,” quipped one eye-witness. “It’s a nice place for a nice car to reach terminal velocity. You think [the driver] is a member?”
While the driver of the BMW emerged virtually unscathed, the same could not be said for the disoriented, elderly victim in the other vehicle. Approximately nine spectators — including this author — watched as Richland County Emergency Services (EMS) strapped him into a neck brace and lifted him onto a stretcher.
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RELATED | MAGISTRATE ARRESTED FOR DUI
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After observing the wreck and subsequent aftermath, FITSNews grew increasingly interested in determining the identity and sobriety of the BMW driver. This, after having freshly exposed the driving while intoxicated (DUI) arrest of Kershaw County magistrate judge Darrell J. Drakeford — and more recently, the DUI arrest of Blackbaud chief executive officer Michael P. Gianoni.
Last month, Drakeford was supposedly intoxicated when approached by an officer with the Columbia Police Department (CPD). This, while his vehicle was “disabled” over high-traffic railroad tracks on South Assembly Street — approximately one mile from The Palmetto Club.
In the immediate aftermath of Thursday’s crash, FITSNews journalist and researcher Callie Lyons identified the driver of the BMW as an actively licensed practical nurse and child care provider with a criminal record dating back to 1998. While we had no intention of blasting her issues across our platform, one member of her personal response team pushed things too far … literally.
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After snapping a picture of the BMW scattered across the sidewalk, the author was approached by several individuals later identified as the driver’s family. One of these individuals — referred to as “Dwayne” — deployed physicality within seconds.
“What did you see,” questioned Dwayne within inches of the author’s face — to which the author explicitly answered twice. “So what did you see,” questioned an apparently confused Dwayne three more times — to which the author proposed having a nearby officer translate.
“You’re stupid,” said the grown man while wearing a flat brim hat over the head of his hoodie. “You’re stupid. I’m gone. You’re stupid … I’m very smart, and you better be careful what you say to me because you’ll find yourself in those bushes in a few minutes.”
Yet another threat for the week …
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“It’s not a threat, it’s a fucking promise. I don’t make threats, I make promises,” Dwayne added. “So if you don’t watch what you say, and be careful what you say, you’re going to find yourself [in the bushes]. Okay?”
While physically pressing himself against the author, Dwayne’s companion reminded him of an upcoming wedding — and that his impending arrest could impact his attendance. At which point, Dwayne backed away and berated his companion for interrupting the informative lecture.
While the author likes San Francisco rapper Larry June as much as anyone else, Dwayne evidently misunderstood the 2016 ballad, “Trouble by the Bushes” — in which June was more concerned with leaving someone missing rather than inside waist-high bushes surrounding an upscale social club.
As of publishing, we’re working to identify Dwayne — who may answer to the name of “good” or “smart” or “promise man” while violating shrubbery. Until then, understand that FITSNews will never be intimidated when it comes to gathering — and reporting — the essential facts.
This story may be updated …
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Andrew Fancher is a Lone Star Emmy award-winning journalist from Dallas, Texas. Cut from a bloodline of outlaws and lawmen alike, he was the first of his family to graduate college which was accomplished with honors. Got a story idea or news tip for Andy? Email him directly and connect with him socially across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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8 comments
In Dwayne’s defense, your face IS kind of punchable…
What an ugly thing to say.
Such a civilized man from a civilized culture. Never resorting to violence or threats of violence as a first option, do they?
Sadly. Andy Fancher, I am sorry this happened to you.
Go get’em, Andy! Words are more powerful than bullets. Dwayne must be a well respected politician trying to protect his night life actions.
Not even looking at the color of skin here, but people like this are not doing any good for themselves and does not help anything. Exact reason why police encounters do not go well sometimes.
Wow this sounds like a gangster movie line more than a can you tell me what happened question? Everything comes to light, so I am sure this will too. Take care
Threats to do bodily harm should always be taken seriously. Hope your next headline reads: “Dwayne, the Promise Man” is identified as . . . and has been charged with . . . “