Charge upgraded against woman accused of striking firefighters with car

GOOSE CREEK -- A 26-year-old woman accused of hitting two city firefighters with her car in October is now charged with felony DUI after authorities say one of the firefighters' injuries turned out to be more serious than originally believed.

Jessica Lynn Lanier of Goose Creek was originally charged with DUI after S.C. Highway Patrol troopers say she struck the firefighters as they were working a car crash on Oct. 19.

Highway Patrol Cpl. Bob Beres said she was arrested on the upgraded charge Thursday based on one of the firefighter's injuries.

She was released on her own recognizance from the Hill-Finklea Detention Center Friday morning, according to court records. Her attorney could not be immediately reached Friday afternoon.

Goose Creek Fire Capt. Michael Althoff, 45, and firefighter Christopher Harrison, 31, were working an accident on U.S. Highway 176 near Walmart shortly after midnight when they were struck by a 2008 Mazda heading west, Beres said.

Both men sustained leg injuries, according to a Goose Creek police report.

Lanier told police she drank three beers in three hours that night, the report said.

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