Lexington County, September 10, 2025
News Summary
A South Carolina state trooper, Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty, was seriously injured during a traffic stop on Augusta Road in Lexington County. He was airlifted to a hospital following a multi-vehicle collision involving a sheriff’s department vehicle and a red truck. This incident marks the third injury to state troopers in the Midlands area in a month, raising concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers. The investigation is ongoing, led by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, as officials urge drivers to be mindful of emergency vehicles on the road.
Lexington County, South Carolina – A South Carolina state trooper was seriously injured on Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop. Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty was conducting the stop on Augusta Road, near Lost Branch Road when the incident occurred.
Master Trooper LaBounty was airlifted to Prisma Health Richland hospital, where he remains in serious condition as of Tuesday afternoon. The situation unfolded when a deputy from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department slowed down to check on Trooper LaBounty, who was standing outside his patrol car. A red truck traveling in the same lane failed to stop in time, resulting in a multi-vehicle collision.
The incident involved the Lexington County Sheriff’s vehicle, the vehicle previously stopped by LaBounty, and the red truck, which struck LaBounty. Footage from the scene showed the red truck in a ditch with the sheriff’s vehicle also damaged. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is currently leading the investigation, as both a state trooper and a county deputy were involved in this accident.
The driver of the red truck has been released pending further investigation. As of now, there are no reports of arrests related to this incident. This collision marks the third time in the past month that a state trooper in the Midlands area has been injured in a related incident.
In light of this troubling trend, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SCDP) has reiterated the importance of safe driving practices. They urge all drivers to slow down, move over for emergency vehicles, and refrain from driving impaired. Lexington County State Representative Chris Wooten has expressed concern regarding the hazards faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty following this latest incident.
Prior to Tuesday’s crash, two other significant incidents involving state troopers were reported in the region. In August, one trooper was tragically killed after being struck by a box truck, while another was injured in a separate incident on September 7. These occurrences highlight the ongoing risks that officers encounter while performing traffic stops and other law enforcement duties.
The investigation remains active, and updates will likely follow as more information becomes available. Law enforcement agencies are appealing to the public for heightened awareness regarding the presence of emergency personnel on the roads.
Summary of Incident
- Trooper Injured: Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty
- Location: Augusta Road, near Lost Branch Road, Lexington County
- Condition: Serious, airlifted to Prisma Health Richland hospital
- Vehicles Involved: Lexington County Sheriff’s vehicle, vehicle stopped by LaBounty, red truck
- Investigation Lead: Richland County Sheriff’s Department
- Public Safety Reminder: Slow down, move over for emergency vehicles, do not drive impaired
- Recent History: Third injury of state troopers in a month in the Midlands area
FAQ
What happened to the South Carolina state trooper?
Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop in Lexington County. He was airlifted to a hospital and is in serious condition.
Who is investigating the incident?
The investigation is being led by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
What safety reminders have been issued?
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division urges drivers to slow down, move over for emergency vehicles, and never drive impaired.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Injured Trooper | Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty |
| Condition | Serious |
| Involvement of Other Vehicles | Multi-vehicle collision including a sheriff’s vehicle |
| Investigation Lead | Richland County Sheriff’s Department |
| Public Safety Advisory | Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Trooper in Serious Condition After Multi-Vehicle Collision
Additional Resources
- WBTV News
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
- WISTV News
- Google Search: South Carolina traffic law
- The State News
- Google Scholar: traffic safety in South Carolina
- Fox Carolina News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Southwest Lexington Ledger
- Google News: traffic incidents South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
