Tragic Toddler Death in Anderson Leads to Felony DUI Charge
A South Carolina truck driver has been accused of driving under the influence following a devastating incident that claimed the life of a 14-month-old boy. David Ronald Metz, aged 62, was charged with a felony DUI after allegedly striking and killing Christopher Rodrigo Perez Tapia on Monday evening in Anderson, South Carolina.
Details of the Heartbreaking Incident
The tragic event unfolded around 8:20 p.m. on South Murray Avenue. According to the Anderson County Coroner's Office, the toddler's parents were cleaning El Latino Bar and Grill after closing when the boy's father opened the door to take out trash. Unbeknownst to him, young Christopher followed him outside.
The child wandered through the parking lot and onto South Murray Avenue, where Metz's truck was traveling southbound. Police reports indicate that if the driver had not been under the influence, he might have reacted more quickly and potentially avoided the collision.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The Anderson Police Department and Anderson Fire Department responded to the scene and found Tapia with critical injuries. He was transported to AnMed Medical Center but was declared dead at 9:10 p.m., less than an hour after being struck.
The coroner determined the cause of death as multiple traumatic injuries, with the manner of death ruled accidental. According to reports, Metz allegedly continued driving after striking the boy before turning around and returning to the scene, where he was arrested.
Family Devastation and Legal Proceedings
Christopher was the son of Delfino Perez Huizache and Olivia Tapia Benitez, who described him as "the light of their lives" in his obituary. The family wrote: "Though his time here was far too brief, the love he sparked will never fade. He remains the light of our lives, forever barefoot, forever loved, and forever playing in the sunshine."
The toddler was remembered as a small boy with a zest for life who loved the outdoors, his pets Pooch and Warrior, and having good meals.
At a bond hearing held Tuesday at the Anderson municipal courthouse, Detective McKindra Bibb told the court that Tapia's family was "devastated" by his death and "unable to even pull it together enough to come to court this afternoon." She noted: "It's been less than 24 hours since their baby died."
Legal Defense and Court Orders
Metz was granted a $60,000 security bond during the hearing, which he attended via telecast from custody. His lawyer, Austin McDaniel, stated that Metz was a local business owner with no prior criminal record and deep community ties.
McDaniel expressed sympathy toward the family, saying: "I can't imagine how the family feels as a parent." The court ordered Metz to have no contact with the victim's family or their restaurant and to remain under GPS monitoring if released.
It remains unclear if Metz has entered a plea, and his next court date is scheduled for June 11. The Anderson Police Department continues to investigate the crash with assistance from the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
