Sumter man charged with attempted murder after grabbing steering wheel, causing car to crash; driver in ‘critical but stable condition’

The passenger of a vehicle has been charged with attempted murder after intentionally causing a  near-fatal wreck on Monday on Boots Ranch Road.

Deputies with Sumter County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-car wreck at about 9:56 p.m. on July 27. 

According to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, investigators think Tathan Jefferson Rabon intentionally caused the vehicle in which he was a passenger to leave the roadway and crash.

Rabon was given a ride by an acquaintance when he allegedly took control of the steering wheel in an attempt to cause a fatal wreck involving himself and the driver, Bordeaux said. He was taken to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he was treated and later released into custody for attempted murder.

Rabon was taken to Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, where his bond was denied. 

The driver was taken to Prisma Health Richland and was in critical but stable condition at 4 p.m. when the release was distributed.