Transport officer faces charge in fatal crash

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — A State Transport officer is charged with driving too fast for conditions in a crash in Taylors that killed an elderly driver.

Greenville County sheriff’s Lt. Shea Smith said Friday that Officer Gerald Sims was issued a traffic ticket for the March 4 wreck that sent him and 91-year-old Thomas Hancock to the hospital. Hancock died nine days later.

The investigation determined that Hancock made an illegal left turn in front of Sims’ marked police car that was traveling at 74 mph in a 45 mph zone. Sims had slowed to 55 mph at impact.

Public Safety spokesman Sid Gaulden says Sims remains on duty while the case is reviewed.

A phone listing could not be found for Sims and it was unclear whether he has an attorney.
  
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