Trooper's car flipped over on U.S. 521 Thursday
Last Updated on 5/30/2012
Published on 7/9/2009
By Scott Harper and
Tommy Howard
Staff writers
A S.C. Highway Patrol officer escaped serious injury after his patrol car was involved in an accident Thursday afternoon.
The accident happened at about 4 p.m. about 2 1/2 miles from the Nine Mile Curve between Georgetown and Andrews. It was near Redick's auto parts in the Spring Gully area.
Central Dispatch received a flood of calls from motorists reporting that the patrol car was upside down.
When emergency workers arrived, they confirmed the car had flipped and the officer was trapped inside.
They freed the officer from the car and he was transported to the hospital as a precaution, according to Amy Glover of the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office.
The cause of the one-car accident is still being investigated
The officer's name was unavailable Thursday evening.
Good Samaritans
Wesley Gibson, and Charlotte and Lindy McRae were among Good Samaritans who stopped to help.
Gibson previously was a volunteer with a fire department in another state, and Lindy McRae is a Georgetown County firefighter who was off duty but helped.
"He must have hydroplaned to the other side of the highway," Gibson said, "came back across and flipped."
"I don't know what happened, but I'm just glad he's safe."
"He was blessed to still be in there [the patrol car] and not be crushed," Gibson said.
He and several others passers-by used crow bars and other tools to try to free the trooper.
"We had an army of crow bars trying to get the car open," he added. "There was a bunch of people stopping, trying to get to this man's aid."
When the McRaes arrived on the scene, Lindy McRae helped get the Jaws of Life from a fire truck and hooked up the hoses.
"He was talking to his dispatch and said, 'I'm OK, but I'm stuck'," Lindy McRae said.
He added that Jeff Kosto, a part-time firefighter and EMT, and Lt. Chris Armstrong, a firefighter/medic, "were the ones on the tools."
"Once they got there and got the jaws in there," Gibson said, "it didn't take much time."
"Everybody was clapping when he got out," Charlotte McRae said.
"He's fine. He's all right," Gibson said.
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OOOH! Touche' Posted by on 7/15/2009 |
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If you dont like the comments written here you dont have to read them. Get a life. Posted by on 7/15/2009 |
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You people need to serously get a life . It was an accident. Get over it. Posted by Unshocked123 on 7/14/2009 |
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Seems a few people have some serious issues with law enforcement. Leave them alone, they leave you alone. Works for me for 35+ years. Posted by on 7/13/2009 |
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I cant believe that there is 29 comments about this "ACCIDENT"!! Im just glad and thank God he is ok and able to return home to his family. These are normal, people, friends and neighbors of all of us. Give him a break! Posted by PLP on 7/13/2009 |
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To the officer who posted, we do recognize that the job you do is important and we do thank you for it. I think the major reason that people are posting is that there are a few of your peers that abuse the system and the citizens recognize that. I am not trying to bash the HP but there does need to be a better system in place to stop abuse. Posted by on 7/13/2009 |
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This is in response to Georgetown County Resident. I am a South Carolina Highway Patrol officer and I am proud to be one. Apparently you do not understand the duties of the Patrol. Number one is to enforce the traffic laws of South Carolina and to make sure the roadways are safe for the residents of this state. Did you know that 88% of all DUI arrests in SC are done by the Highway Patrol. Have you ever pulled over a vehicle in the middle of the night on a rural road when you know backup is at least 1/2 an hour away. Have you ever wrestled with a individual that was trafficing drugs and this was the vehicle the we stopped . The point is unlike any other police branch, when we make a stop we have no idea who is in the vehicle that we are approaching whether it be a drunk, murderer, armed robber or a missing child. At collision scenes we investigate and also try to calm down the parties involved and do whatever we can for them at the scene. It took alot of training to wear this uniform and I am proud to be part of it. This is not an easy job by any stretch and you have to understand that the main reason most South Carolina Highway Patrolmen are in this position is to help others and if you have seen the pay we recieve you would know that we do not do it for the money.So next time you see a Highway Patrol Officer why not take the time to thank them for the job they are doing and thank them for making South Carolina a safer place youself and your family Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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See, this would be the problem. I don't want to hear about it. Oh, don't talk about it. It sounds like you're just picking on the uniform. Can't adults who speak clearly and without animosity or hate comment? That is after all why it is called an open forum. I see some comments have been removed. That was really unfair to the poster, unless they were really bad. I didn't read them. Obviously someone took offense at something someone said. Too bad adults cannot act like adults. Communication, for those saying, (whine) stttttttoooooppppppp. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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Everyone needs to give it a rest. We ALL make mistakes. I do not believe anyone is saying that they are better or above the law. I just think a few of you have issues with uniforms. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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Just let G-town times look into it and see if he was going to a call. it is all on tape in Florence. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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Type O's, Sorry! And like I said we, All Law Enforcement.Why do you get so mad when some one tell the truth. I was talking about myself also.Just cant talk to some people!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am glad to know that your husband is up there with JESUS, and that he is so perfect. He the only one that I know that is . I know that I am not. And my name (Steel Worker is where I use to work)One more time, I said we. Posted by Steel Worker on 7/10/2009 |
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Good God People, it called an accident!!! be thankful the mans ok! Posted by Phil on 7/10/2009 |
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Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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O.K. Georgetown County Resident, Steel Worker and individual who received citation for 5 mph over the posted limit...learn how to SPELL! You all appear to be illiterate individuals who also know little to nothing about the law. No one reading your post holds any stock in what you say. Please, use spell check. And know the S.C. laws before you begin typing. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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Ok guys ya'll are acting like 5 year old children. The point of this whole thing is that a S.C. Trooper was in an awful car accident. Everyone should just be happy that he is fine and able to go home to his family. Everyone makes mistakes just like I'm sure every single person in the world has. This state trooper is the only one who knows what he was doing when the accident occured and if he was doing something wrong he now knows what to do from now on. So everyone just be happy that he is ok and stop with all the negativity! Posted by College Student on 7/10/2009 |
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Law Enforcement! This is what we do, we do it because we want to not because we have to. I had my radio on yesterday, and herd it all. I did not hear him going to a call, but I did hear him call florence dispatch to tell her there had been a 10-50, and at first he did not tell her that it was him in the 10-50. But the 1st one is write, if it was someone else they would have given a ticket, not saying that he did not but he should. We all think sometime that we are above the law my self included, But there has to be accountability! It must start with the law makers, then the law, and then law breakers. You just have to look at all sides, not just your side. Posted by Steel Worker on 7/10/2009 |
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bluelinewife, with all respect, I am sure you feel that way but just because you are married to an officer does not make you an authority on their behavior. Probably it gives you less. You see the personal side, others can look at all sides. Your side is going to be biased and I hate to tell you but you may be very sheltered and protected from the outside world. Just a hunch. My prayers for you and your family and that you are married to a good one. Posted by angelswalk on 7/10/2009 |
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Maybe we can have a safe weekend if the rain doesnt get in the way of troopers driving. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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I have said for so many years that officers should be recorded 24-7 if they are on duty. Officers should have no way to control that. Those who are honorable to their position would have no problem with this as they aren't breaking the laws themselves. As it stands, this is the only way there will be safety from lies or skepticism now. Too bad it should have to be this way but the really rotten ones have brought it upon them all. Officers partners, personal and professional partners, I know from experience, will never tell you (until too late) if they think their man is doing wrong; Either from the code of brothers, fear or idolization or love. Or because no one will listen. We all have blinders on to the bad ones. The bad ones know how to work the SYSTEM! It doesnt matter if the bad ones are finally let go, the damage has been done. Therefore as in everything else, the good have to pay for the bad. Unfortunately, I have seen both sides so please don't challenge me on my veiws. I SEE both sides. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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WOW! Those are pretty harsh words. I know of many Law Enforcement Officers who love what they do and really try to make a difference. Don't confuse the mistakes of some to be the morales of all. I hope you have a safe and fabulous weekend!!! Posted by Blue Line Wife on 7/10/2009 |
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no where in the article did it mention he was resonding to call, or have i heard it mentioned he had his flashers, blue lights, or sinrens on. These wonderful officers break the laws everyday, that we citizens get tickets for. And the majority are only officers to get an easy pay check each week. the hardest thing they do is write a ticket, other wise they ride around all day goofing off.. so dont hand us that bull, they are out there out of the goodness of their hearts serving and protecting. they are just there cause its an easy job... Posted by Georgetown County Resident on 7/10/2009 |
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You guys are so cruel! HP or Deputy Sheriff, this is a human being who could have seriously been hurt! No wonder this world is as screwed up as it is - you all need Jesus! Posted by Mom on 7/10/2009 |
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Well thats just more taxs money we'll have to pay out and more reasons to write tickets.. I think he needs to pay for that car out of he's pocket if he still wants he's job.. They give us ticket's for going 5 over the limit when he had to be doing 80 or better.. What was the reason he was going so fast. im sure he told the state that he was in a high speed chase or on the way to a call.. This needs to be looked into b/c out where i live it takes them 30 min to 1 hour to get here.. Then when they do get here they never do anything but take a note of what happen and never look into it.. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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Trooper's wife, dont you know that if a law officer has an accident....many jump at the opportunity to be critical.....they forget all the hours and sacrifices these officers make...ya see, I have been there, done that....My husband was a SC state trooper...I have been awake many nights waiting for him to walk in the door...My hat goes off to you also, because it is a very demanding and sacrificial career, but you see only families of law officers know this first hand. Thank you and your husband for protecting us daily:) Posted by Linda D on 7/10/2009 |
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Blue Line Wife- I am not stupid, I know the difference. Trooper Wife- I have not been nasty, just honest. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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I have had no bad experiences with law enforcement. If I am in an accident, what is HP going to accomplish by speeding to get to me? Please read my other post again, they do not assist with patients. One of you stated speed was not a factor, rain was. This is a false statement. If you are going down the road and hydroplane because of standing water, then you are driving too fast for conditions. Since your husbands are in law enforcement, ask them. This trooper created an accident while responding to one, did he help this situation at all? NO, by creating another accident scene, he possibly pulled resources that might have been needed at the other scene. If the accidents were in the same fire district, this puts a strain on available resources. One thing is for sure, I bet he will not speed on wet roads again for a while. Posted by Fed Up on 7/10/2009 |
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To Fed Up:Speed was not a factor, rain was... If you see them speeding, call them in (*HP) and report them. I do. You have obviously have had a bad experience with law enforcement. It's really not necessary to be nasty. Have a great day:)And God Bless you! Posted by Trooper wife on 7/10/2009 |
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Fed up- you are an outsider looking in while I am an insider looking out. If it were you in an accident, waiting on a Trooper, you would want the quickest response possible....correct? This is not an officer passing you at X speeds, this was an attempt to respond to a call in a timely fashion. It's unfortunate that you are not able to distinguish the difference. Posted by Blue Line Wife on 7/10/2009 |
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It is a given that the two wives are going to take up for their husbands but I think they need to take the blindfold off and call a spade a spade. On any given day you can travel 521 and either a HP officer or deputy will pass you going well over 80, this is uncalled for. They will give you a ticket for doing the same thing they do on a daily basis- with no lights on.I know they take special driving classes but they carry the same drivers license we have and they are supposed to obey the traffic laws just the same as the citizens.I am glad this officer is ok but I hope he is charged with driving to fast for conditions, the same thing we the citizens would be charged with.He would have been better off obeying the law and getting there a little later than not getting there at all. HP doesnt do anything at a wreck but investigate,do traffic control and write tickets- I have NEVER seen one assist with patients, so what is the hurry? Posted by Fed Up on 7/10/2009 |
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The first comment makes a good point. There are not many instances that require an officer to disregard the safe operation of his vehicle. The second comment actually supports the first. The officer was responding to a call that MAY have been very important, even life threatening. Because of his recklessness, he crashed and was not able to complete his mission. I am pleased that the officer was not seriously injured. And I hope he will learn from his mistake to be an even better police officer. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
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My husband is in Law Enforcement as well. So, I am going to completely back up that woman below me. Each day is a gamble when our husbands leave, and we pray they can home safely each night. My hat is always off to the men and women who put their lives on the line to serve and protect anothers. As for this Trooper, I hope for a quick recovery for both you and your family. Posted by Blue Line Wife on 7/10/2009 |
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Do you know that this officer was responding to an accident? I am quite sure that if you were standing in the pouring rain and had just been involved in a collision you would want an officer to respond as soon as possible. And it would probably be someone like yourself that would complain because you had to wait! So often Trooper's wives are left standing over the graves of their husbands who were simply trying to help or protect someone else. It's what they get paid to do. None of them think that they are invincible. If they did they would not put on a bullet proof vest each day. Unfortunately they have to wear their uniforms with great pride for folks like yourself who do not even care about them or the job they do. These are men and women with families at home that hold their breath each day to see them walk through the door. And some days, they never come home. God was with this young man yesterday, and watched over his safety and the safety of others. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is as good as it gets! You should be ashamed of yourself for making such empty and pointless comments. Posted by Trooper wife on 7/10/2009 |
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I just wanted to comment on the accident. I was traveling westbound on 521 when I witnessed the officer lose control and crash down the highway. It is of my opinion based on what I saw, that the officer was running in excess of the posted speed limit in the pouring rain on wet slicked roads. The officer is lucky that he did not hurt himself more severly or worse have struck another vehicle. A strobe light on the top of one's car does not make them invincible, nor above the laws set for the rest of the public. Traffic laws are enforced for the purpose of keeping the roads safe and those who travel them, including those in uniforms. Posted by on 7/10/2009 |
