Man arrested, accused of hitting state trooper during multi-vehicle collision
RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Richland County deputies say a man has been arrested after he hit a state trooper during a Tuesday morning traffic stop.
Jerrod Ricks, 23, was arrested on Thursday, September 11, around 2:30 p.m. in connection with hitting Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty on Tuesday morning, September 9.
Ricks was charged with reckless driving, and issued a citation for endangering emergency services personnel.
Richland County Sheriff’s Department says Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty was on a traffic stop at Augusta Rd/Lost Branch Rd in Lexington County when a Lexington County Sheriff’s Department deputy slowed down to check on him.
During that time, a vehicle traveling in the same lane as the deputy failed to stop in time, according to RCSD.
The vehicle collided with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department vehicle, the vehicle SCHP had detained on the traffic stop, another unrelated vehicle, and hit Master Trooper LaBounty while he was out of his vehicle.
Master Trooper LaBounty was injured and air lifted to a local hospital.
The SC Department of Public Safety says Master Trooper LaBounty is in stable condition after undergoing surgery after the collision.
Ricks was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center where he is awaiting a bond hearing.
