News Summary
Joseph Edward McComas, a former technician from Summerville, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for DUI after injuring a woman in a crash in Beaufort. The incident, which took place on May 8, 2019, involved McComas colliding with another vehicle while under the influence, leading to serious charges and a lengthy probation period.
Summerville Technician Sentenced for DUI Crash Injuring Woman
Summerville, South Carolina – Joseph Edward McComas, a 38-year-old former technician with Dominion Energy, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison after pleading guilty to DUI.
Incident Overview
The sentencing stems from a crash that occurred on May 8, 2019, in the Beaufort area when McComas collided with a Toyota Sienna while driving a company truck.
Details of the Sentence
- McComas will serve an additional 5 years of probation post-incarceration.
- He is under a “zero tolerance” policy regarding alcohol and drug use during probation. Violation could extend his prison time to a total of 10 years.
- He is mandated to educate schools and groups on the hazards of alcohol and drug use upon his release.
Judicial Proceedings
The sentence was delivered by Circuit Court Judge Marvin H. Dukes III on April 9, 2025. McComas was subsequently admitted to the Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center in Columbia, South Carolina, the following day.
Incident Insights
On the day of the crash, a 911 caller expressed concerns about McComas’s erratic driving along S.C. 170. A responding Beaufort police officer noted McComas speeding and switching lanes erratically before the collision.
Upon arrival, the officer found McComas semi-conscious and exhibiting signs of intoxication. A toxicology report revealed a blood-alcohol content of .181, more than twice the legal limit of .08.
Impact of the Crash
The crash resulted in serious injuries to a woman in the other vehicle, prompting an upgraded charge of felony DUI against McComas. It remains unclear if he was on duty for Dominion Energy during the time of the incident; the company has not provided further details.
Company Response
Dominion Energy confirmed that McComas is no longer with the company and extended condolences to the injured individual’s family. The utility provider serves approximately 821,000 customers across South Carolina and plays a significant role in the electricity grid across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Car Crash Claims Life in Little River, SC
Tragic Car Crash in Little River Claims One Life
Tragic Car Crash in Little River Claims Local Woman’s Life
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Summerville Technician Sentenced for DUI Crash Injuring Woman
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Island Packet: Traffic News
- Google Search: DUI Sentencing
- Island Packet: Beaufort Community News
- Google Scholar: DUI Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legislation
- Google News: DUI Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
