Anderson, South Carolina — A heartbreaking incident has left a family devastated after a 14-month-old child was struck and killed by a truck while reportedly wandering into the roadway late Monday evening. Authorities say the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash.
According to the Anderson Police Department and the Anderson County Coroner’s Office, the incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. near a restaurant on South Murray Avenue. Emergency responders arrived quickly after receiving reports of a pedestrian crash involving a young child.
When crews reached the scene, they found the toddler suffering from critical injuries. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically did not survive.
What Happened
Investigators say the child’s parents were inside their restaurant after closing, cleaning up for the day. During that time, the boy’s father stepped outside to take out the trash, unaware that the toddler had followed him out through the back door.
Officials believe the child then wandered into the roadway, where he was struck by a passing truck. Witnesses described the situation as unfolding within seconds, leaving little opportunity for anyone nearby to react.
The coroner later identified the victim as 14-month-old Christopher Rodrigo Perez Tapia. The cause of death was determined to be multiple traumatic injuries, and the manner of death was ruled accidental.
Driver Arrested and Charged
Authorities have arrested 62-year-old David Ronald Metz in connection with the crash. He has been charged with felony DUI involving death.
Officials stated that impairment was a significant factor in the incident. According to investigators, Metz initially continued driving after the collision before returning to the scene.
During a court hearing, a judge set bail at $60,000 and ordered strict conditions, including GPS monitoring and no contact with the victim’s family. Metz is scheduled to appear in court again on June 11 as the investigation continues.
Impact on the Family
Law enforcement officials described the child’s family as deeply shaken by the loss. A victim advocate appeared in court on their behalf, as they were reportedly too overwhelmed with grief to attend.
Authorities emphasized that while the child’s sudden movement into the roadway played a role, impairment can significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time and ability to avoid such tragedies.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under active investigation, with assistance from the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Officials are continuing to review all circumstances surrounding the crash.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of how quickly accidents can happen and the severe consequences of impaired driving, especially in areas where visibility and reaction time are critical.
