Bond denied for Vaughn

Chief Magistrate Percy Harvin told a small group of individuals gathered in the lobby at the Clarendon County Detention Center shortly after 5:30 p.m., Jan. 27, that bond had been denied for Clarence Vaughn.

Vaughn was the driver of a 2006 Ford truck that crossed the centerline of S.C. 260 about three miles south of Manning at 8:10 p.m. Jan. 26, and struck a 1999 Toyota driven by 16-year-old Brittani Steen of Manning, head-on.

Vaughn was arrested at the scene of the wreck on charges of felony driving under the influence, driving under suspension, driving a vehicle uninsured and an open container violation and later transported to the Clarendon County Detention Center.

Although Vaughn’s bond was denied Friday night, Harvin said a circuit court judge could revisit the matter and either grant or deny bond for Vaughn at a later date.

One week of general sessions court, which is presided over by a circuit court judge, begins in Clarendon County on Monday, Jan. 30.

Steen who was ejected from her vehicle was airlifted around 9:05 p.m. Jan. 26 to Palmetto Richland with leg injuries and possible head injury.

According to family members, Steen was operated on Friday afternoon. Surgeons inserted rods into both of the teenager’s legs along with a metal plate in one leg. She also has a broken foot and lacerations to her spleen and liver. Tests revealed that she had not sustained a head injury.

Steen could be released from the hospital in as little as three to four days; however, the teen will be confined to a wheelchair for up to six weeks.

The teenager is in good spirits, according to family members.

“She wants a Pepsi.”