State Guard Injured in Hit-and-Run in Good Spirits

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Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — On Monday morning, the State Guard injured in a hit-and-run last week appeared in good spirits at a press conference in Chapin with Richland County Sheriff’s Department officials. “He put himself out there in danger, he could‘ve been killed but he didn‘t hesitate,” said Sheriff Leon Lott. As a a volunteer in the State Guard, Sheriff Leon Lott said Kuenzlie was directing traffic outside Harvest Hope last Friday when he was struck by a car. Officials said alleged driver, Charles Kauffman sped off and was later arrested and charged with attempted murder and illegal acts during a state of emergency. “I think I grabbed his shoulder and stayed with him and said, ‘Sir, you have to stop,’ and he kept going and then he sped up and threw me,” explained Keunzlie. Kuenzlie suffered a broken wrist and several bruises but the aches and pains are only a small price to pay for doing what he loves. “I‘m just doing my job, that’s all I was doing,“ said Kuenzlie. For Kuenzlie service is part of his DNA. He served several years in the military and has since devoted himself as a member of the State Guard and a resource officer at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies. Kuenzlie hopes to return to his duties as soon as possible but in the meantime, he was awarded a radio by Sheriff Lott to keep up with what is happening.