Washington a no-show at council because he was hurt in crash, attorney says

Richland County Councilman Kelvin Washington did not appear at the council’s regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday for medical reasons, his attorney, Mike Duncan, said Wednesday.

“Mr. Washington is recovering, but he is sore and stiff and it feels like he was in a significant car accident three days ago,” Duncan said.

Washington was charged with felony DUI after authorities say he rear-ended a vehicle at the intersection of Bluff Road and MLK Boulevard on Saturday.

Duncan represented Washington when the councilman was charged earlier this year with failing to file state income taxes.

Duncan declined to comment as to whether Washington will continue his council duties in light of the charge, which sent a 22-year-old and a 19-year-old to the hospital. The 22-year-old, the driver of the other car, had to have surgery for a severe head injury, according to the incident report. Family members told The State newspaper Tuesday the 19-year-old had been released, but the 22-year-old was still in intensive care.

“As a standard condition of a bond, Mr. Washington is not allowed to contact the individuals who were injured, but our prayers go out to the young man who is hospitalized,” Duncan said.

Washington’s first appearance in court is set for 9 a.m. March 21.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 3:28 PM with the headline "Washington a no-show at council because he was hurt in crash, attorney says."