The Columbia Police Department’s (CPD) Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) has arrested a 40-year-old
man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that happened earlier this month.
This afternoon, James Gilmore (DOB: 9-20-1984) was charged with Hit and Run with Death
and Failure to Give Information and Render Aid. He will be housed at the Alvin S. Glenn
Detention Center (ASGDC).
Gilmore is accused of driving while under suspension and without insurance along the 3400
of Bluff Road on October 7, 2024, and striking the 22-year-old male victim who’s been
previously identified by the Richland County Coroner as Xavier Jackson.
CPD Investigators believe that Jackson was walking eastbound along Bluff Road at the time
of the incident; His body was found on October 8, 2024.
Several witnesses reported to CPD Investigators seeing a pick-up truck drive off the roadway
and onto the grassy shoulder of Bluff Road. Driver Gilmore is further accused of hitting
Jackson, leaving the scene of the crime, and not rendering aid to the victim or notifying
police about the tragic incident.
CPD investigators found key pieces of evidence at the scene which were collected for
processing. The vehicle Gilmore was allegedly driving during the crime, a blue Chevy pick-up
truck was located near the crime scene on the same day as the collision.
The CPD’s Violent Crimes Against Persons Unit (VCAP) assisted the TSU with the
investigation.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court