Lexington County, SC – A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper is in serious condition after being struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop Monday morning, September 9.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, was airlifted to Prisma Health following the crash. Authorities said he remains hospitalized in serious condition. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
This marks the third serious incident involving a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper in less than a month. Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks died from injuries sustained in the line of duty on August 13, 2025. Just two days ago, on September 7, Senior Trooper Mitchell Williams Jr. was injured but has since returned home to recover.
Officials are urging drivers to follow South Carolina’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing blue lights. The department emphasized that motorists should also avoid driving while impaired.
“We are pleading with the public to slow down, move over for blue lights, and never drive impaired,” the department said in a statement.
Community members are being asked to keep Trooper LaBounty and his family in their thoughts as he continues to fight for recovery.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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