A South Carolina State Trooper was hit by a vehicle in Lexington County early Tuesday morning. (SCHP Photos)

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the collision to ensure a thorough and impartial review of what happened. RCSD will issue updates as they become available.

Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty was hit by a vehicle during the traffic stop in the area of Augusta Road, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. He was airlifted to a hospital and was in “serious” condition.

LaBounty was on a stop when a deputy from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department slowed down to check on the trooper, said the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. A red truck in the same lane as the deputy failed to stop in time.

The truck collided with the LCSD vehicle, and the vehicle that was stopped by LaBounty and another vehicle resulting in LaBounty, who was outside of the vehicle, to be hit.

From the SC DPS- Master Trooper LaBounty, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, was airlifted to Prisma Health in serious condition. We ask that everyone keeps him in your prayers as he continues to recover. For questions regarding the investigation, Richland County Sheriff’s Department is handling due to Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s vehicle involvement in the incident.

This is now the third SC Highway Patrol trooper to be injured or killed in the last month:
1) Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks: Died from injuries on August 13, 2025.

2) Senior Trooper Mitchell Williams Jr.: Recovering at home from injuries sustained this past Sunday, September 7.

3) Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty: In serious condition at the hospital from injuries sustained this morning, September 9.