CHARLESTON (WCSC) - The Charleston Police Department will be increasing the number of patrol cars on the roads this weekend as part of their city-wide high visibility enforcement initiative.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit will set up multiple safety checkpoint locations supported by roving DUI and Radar Enforcement throughout the city in an attempt to prevent highway deaths and injuries during the Memorial Day weekend.

While Memorial Day is a time to pay honor to those who have died protecting our nation, it is also a holiday when many communities experience an increase in automobile collisions. In many of these events, speeding, alcohol consumption, and lack of seat belt usuage are often contributing factors. Charleston police are encouraging motorists to exercise good judgement, and to plan ahead with designated drivers if need be.

The U.S. Marshal-led Operation Intercept Fugitive Task Force, working in conjunction with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, took a man named in the Kate Waring murder trial into custody October 20.

Tristan Cheek, 28, was apprehended after a short foot chase and the assistance of a Charleston County K-9 unit.  Cheek was arrested in the 1000 block of East Arctic on Folly Beach after information was developed by investigators as to his location.  Cheek is charged with resisting arrest and being a Peeping Tom.  Cheek was transported to Charleston County jail after being brought to Roper hospital with minor injuries.

Cheek was also called as a defense witness during the murder trial of Ethan Mack, but told counselors to "come and find [him]," according to the Solicitor's Office.

By Harve Jacobs  bio | email | Twitter    

FOLLY BEACH, SC (WCSC) – The sister of a man who died this week from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident is making a plea, hoping someone will come forward with information.

Eugene Mathes, 61, died Tuesday night at MUSC, a little more than three weeks after the accident.

Police say Mathes was walking home on West 22^nd Street on August 8 around 12:30 a.m., when a car hit him from behind. The driver didn't stop.

"Whoever did this to my brother, this was one of the happiest times of his life," said Mathes' sister, Michell Mazyck.

Mathes worked at Mazyck's Folly Beach Hair Salon doing hair and nails.