Lexington, South Carolina, September 10, 2025
News Summary
A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper, Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty, is in serious condition following a multi-vehicle collision during a traffic stop on Highway 1. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. and involved several vehicles, including a sheriff’s department car. Investigations by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Safety Unit are underway. This incident marks the third injury-related traffic stop incident involving troopers in recent weeks, raising concerns about their safety on highways.
Lexington, South Carolina – A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper is in serious condition following a multi-vehicle collision that occurred during a traffic stop on Tuesday morning. The incident took place around 7 a.m. on Highway 1, between Lost Branch Road and Calks Ferry Road.
The injured officer has been identified as Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty, a seasoned law enforcement veteran with 40 years of service. Following the accident, he was airlifted to Prisma Health Richland Hospital, where he remains in serious condition.
The collision involved several vehicles: a Lexington County Sheriff’s Department vehicle, the car that LaBounty had pulled over, and another unrelated vehicle. The chain of events began when a deputy from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department slowed down to check on LaBounty during the traffic stop. Meanwhile, a vehicle traveling in the same lane as the deputy was unable to stop in time, resulting in the multi-vehicle collision. Reports indicate that LaBounty was outside of his vehicle when he was struck.
Fortunately, no other injuries were reported from the incident. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Safety Unit is currently investigating the crash to determine the exact circumstances and contributing factors.
All lanes of Highway 1 were temporarily shut down due to the incident but have since reopened for traffic. This incident marks the third time in recent weeks that a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper has been involved in an injury-related traffic stop. Just days prior, on Sunday night, another trooper named Mitchell Williams Jr. was hit in a separate case but has since been discharged from the hospital. In a more tragic event, Trooper Dennis D. Ricks lost his life in August after being struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop.
The recent rise in incidents involving highway patrol officers has raised concerns about their safety while performing routine traffic duties. As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies are reminded of the dangers that come with their work on the highways.
Key Details of the Incident
- Involved Personnel: Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty
- Injury Status: Serious condition
- Time: Approximately 7 a.m.
- Location: Highway 1, Lexington County
- Vehicles Involved: Multiple vehicles including sheriff’s department vehicle and the stopped vehicle
- Investigation Agency: Richland County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Safety Unit
- Highway Status: Closed and later reopened
- Total Incidents Involving Troopers Recently: 3
- Previous Incidents: Trooper Mitchell Williams Jr. (injured), Trooper Dennis D. Ricks (deceased)
FAQ
What caused the collision involving the South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper?
The collision was caused when a vehicle traveling in the same lane as a deputy slowed to check on Trooper LaBounty, failing to stop in time and leading to a multi-vehicle collision.
Is there an ongoing investigation regarding the incident?
Yes, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
What is the current condition of Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty?
Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty is currently in serious condition after being airlifted to Prisma Health Richland Hospital.
Have there been other recent incidents involving South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers?
Yes, there have been at least two other incidents in recent weeks where South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers were injured, including one fatal incident in August.
Incident Statistics
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Officer Injured | Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty |
| Injury Status | Serious Condition |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 7 a.m. |
| Investigation Agency | Richland County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Safety Unit |
| Total Recent Injuries/Involved Troopers | 3 |
| Previous Fatality | Trooper Dennis D. Ricks |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Fatal Collision on Old Cherokee Road Claims Life
Temporary Lane Shift and New Whataburger Location in Lexington
Lexington County Tornado Causes Damage Amid Other Tragic Incidents
Police Pursuit Ends in Crash and Arrest in Lexington County
Suspect Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Lexington County
School Bus Collision in Lexington County
Lexington County School Bus Rear-Ended with No Injuries
Accidents Involving Local Officials Raise Concerns in Columbia
South Carolina Implements Hands-Free Driving Law
Additional Resources
- WBTV: SC State Trooper Airlifted After Being Hit
- Wikipedia: Highway Patrol
- The State: Lexington County Crash
- Google Search: South Carolina Highway Patrol incidents
- ABC News 4: Collision Closes Highway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Fox Carolina: State Trooper Airlifted
- Google News: Lexington County Crash
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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