Two arrests after drunk driver hits patrol car during traffic stop

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, On Saturday morning at around 2:00 a.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of Broad River Road and Zimalcrest Drive after a driver made an improper lane change.

There were multiple firearms inside of the vehicle so the driver and passenger were asked to step out. While deputies continued the traffic stop with the driver, an assisting deputy stepped away with the passenger.

As both the assisting deputy and the passenger were standing out of the roadway, beside the deputy’s patrol car, a drunk driver struck the rear end of the patrol car, causing the car to hit the civilian and the deputy. Deputies on scene immediately requested EMS and began providing aid to the civilian. The driver of the car that rear ended the patrol car was detained and identified as Capona Turner, 36.

The civilian victim was transported conscious and alert to a local hospital with injuries. The deputy sustained minor injuries and was cleared on scene by EMS.

South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to work the wreck. SCHP charged Turner with Driving Under the Influence. She was transported to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

The driver of the vehicle that was initially stopped was charged with Simple Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Meth, and Open Container of Liquor. He was transported to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

“My thoughts are with the victim that was injured,” says Sheriff Lott, “we are so fortunate that this incident was not any worse than it already is. Thankfully, our deputy is doing well and will be able to return to work. I hope people understand that driving impaired is one of the most selfish things you can do.”