Bond Denied for Man Accused of Shooting Police Officer

COLUMBIA , S.C. (WOLO) — A Lexington County judge denied bond Wednesday to the man accused of shooting a West Columbia Police Officer on Tuesday afternoon. In a bond hearing Wednesday, the judge denied bond to 51-year old William Kernan after authorities called him a flight risk and threat to the community. South Carolina Law Enforcement Officials told the judge, Kernan has a criminal history and some of his neighbors have expressed some concern and fear. Authorities say Kernan shot West Columbia Police Officer, James “Trip” Holland, Tuesday afternoon at his home on Hudson Street in West Columbia. They say three officers including Officer Holland went to Kernan‘s home to serve him a bench warrant for minor violations but after a brief conversation with him outside, he went inside and barricaded himself in the home. When officers entered the house, authorities say Kernan ambushed them with a shot gun and a bullet struck Officer Holland in the head. During the bond hearing Wednesday, Kernan told the judge, “I am innocent, I am not a criminal.” West Columbia Police Department officials said James Holland has been with the department for about 5 years and remains in stable condition.