FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2001
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has arrested a Sumter man after he crashed his minivan into the gates of the Governor’s Mansion Complex at Richland and Lincoln streets and fled the scene around 2:15 Friday morning. Ruben O. Perry, 38,1870 Robert Perry Road, Sumter has been charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene and malicious damage to real property.

Perry was headed west on Richland Street, ran a stop sign at Lincoln Street and crashed into the gates. The van proceeded about 50 feet onto the mansion’s grounds before he backed up and fled the scene. The Bureau of Protective Services, a division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, observed the crash from a nearby guard station and notified the Columbia Police Department and the Highway Patrol.

An employee of a local fast food restaurant about two miles from the complex and called the Columbia Police Department after spotting the 1989 van, which is owned by an Augusta, Ga., auto parts store. Highway Patrol troopers arrested Perry, who was still in the van, around 3:15 a.m.

The surveillance camera videotape is considered evidence in the case and will not be released at this time. The Highway Patrol MAIT unit is reconstructing the crash. The blood alcohol content and speed also are still under investigation and considered evidence. The Highway Patrol will not release that information at this time. Perry is being held at the Richland County Detention Center.

The damage to the Governor’s Mansion property came to around $5,500. One gate will need to be replaced completely and the second one will need repairs. A temporary gate will be put in place until the repairs are made. The state Budget and Control Board Office of General Services will oversee the replacement of the gates.

"Once again this illustrates the fact that despite the best security measures, no facility is 100 percent secure from accidental or intentional threats," said DPS Director B. Boykin Rose. "However, we feel confident about the security measures in place at the Statehouse and Governor’s Mansion. Our officers acted quickly and professionally. The governor and the first family were never in danger."

DPS had increased security after the September 11 attacks and again Sunday after air strikes began in Afghanistan. BPS will place additional patrols outside the complex following this incident and will continue to review its security measures.

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SI/132/2001

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