Lexington County, South Carolina, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A South Carolina state trooper was injured during a traffic stop in Lexington County when a vehicle struck him. The driver, Jerrod Ricks, has been arrested and charged with reckless driving and endangering emergency services personnel. The trooper, Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty, was airlifted to a hospital but is now reported to be stable. This incident marks a troubling trend of troopers being hit while on duty, highlighting the risks faced by law enforcement on the highways.
Lexington County, South Carolina – A South Carolina state trooper was injured on Tuesday morning during a traffic stop when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a 23-year-old man, identified as Jerrod Ricks. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Highway 1 in Lexington County, causing significant concern among law enforcement officials and the community.
Jerrod Ricks has been arrested and charged with reckless driving and cited for endangering emergency services personnel. His vehicle failed to stop in time during the traffic stop, colliding with a Lexington County Sheriff’s Department vehicle that had slowed down to check on the trooper involved. The crash involved multiple vehicles, and Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty was outside of his vehicle at the time he was struck.
Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty has a distinguished career, boasting over 40 years of law enforcement experience. Following the incident, he was airlifted to a nearby hospital. Initially listed in serious condition, he has since been reported as stable. The crash remains under investigation by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) Traffic Safety Unit due to the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies.
Ricks was taken into custody and transported to the Lexington County Detention Center. The incident highlights a concerning trend, as LaBounty is the third state trooper to be struck by a vehicle in the past month. Of the three incidents, two troopers survived their injuries, while one, Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks, tragically lost his life in a separate case.
In response to the accident, a fundraiser has been initiated by the organization Serve & Connect to support Trooper LaBounty and his family as he recovers from this unfortunate incident. The support for law enforcement personnel involved in such dangerous situations underscores the risks they face while performing their duties on the roads.
This incident adds to the ongoing discussion regarding the safety of emergency personnel on highways and the importance of driving safely near roadside emergencies. With public awareness and adherence to traffic laws, such accidents may be preventable, reducing the risk to both officers and civilians alike.
As the investigation continues, additional details may emerge regarding the actions leading up to the collision. The RCSD Traffic Safety Unit is dedicated to ensuring a thorough inquiry into this alarming incident to help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
FAQ
What led to the traffic accident involving Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty?
The accident occurred when Jerrod Ricks’s vehicle failed to stop in time during a traffic stop, hitting Master Trooper LaBounty while he was outside of his vehicle, as well as another vehicle and that of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
What charges is Jerrod Ricks facing?
Jerrod Ricks has been charged with reckless driving and cited for endangering emergency services personnel.
How is Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty’s condition?
After being airlifted to the hospital and initially listed in serious condition, Trooper LaBounty is now reported to be stable.
What actions are being taken to support Trooper LaBounty?
A fundraiser has been set up by Serve & Connect to assist Trooper LaBounty and his family during his recovery.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Highway 1, Lexington County, South Carolina |
| Time | 7 a.m., Tuesday Morning |
| Trooper Involved | Master Trooper Wayne LaBounty |
| Condition of Trooper | Stable after serious injury |
| Assailant | Jerrod Ricks, 23 |
| Charges | Reckless driving, endangering emergency personnel |
| Fundraiser for Support | Initiated by Serve & Connect |
| Context | Third trooper struck in a month; two survived, one fatality |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
State Trooper Injured in Collision During Traffic Stop
Serious Incident Involving Trooper in Lexington County
South Carolina Trooper Seriously Injured in Traffic Stop
Trooper in Serious Condition After Multi-Vehicle Collision
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Jerrod Ricks Arrested After Trooper Injured
- Google Search: South Carolina Trooper Injured
- WISTV: Crash in Lexington Results in Downed Power Pole
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Spectrum News: Largest Fentanyl Bust in South Carolina History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- The State: Local News Report
- Google News: Lexington County Motorcycle Crash
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.
