S.C. Trooper shot during traffic stop in Bamberg County

S.C. Department of Public Safety

BAMBERG COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – A South Carolina trooper is recovering after being shot during a traffic stop on Sunday, April 16th.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety says a trooper was shot after initiating a traffic stop in Bamberg County around 3:30 a.m. on US-78 for a speeding violation. Investigators say the violator was driving more than 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.

According to investigators, at some point during the traffic stop, the suspect, Derrick Gathers, began shooting at Trooper Lance Corporal B.A. Frazier before driving away from the scene. Investigators also say a second trooper heard the radio call out with his vehicle description and initiated a pursuit that ended in Orangeburg County when Gathers crashed his vehicle into a house.

After he was discharged from MUSC, Gathers was taken to the Bamberg County Detention Center, where he was charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime, and Failure to Stop for Blue Lights.

Authorities say Lance Corporal Frazier was shot on the right side of his face, his injuries are non-life-threatening and he’s currently in stable condition.

Lance Corporal Frazier has been with Troop 7 since 2018.

Serve & Connect has set up a fundraiser to for Frazier to cover his medical expenses and other recovery-related needs.

Visit their website if you want to donate.