By FITSNews || A South Carolina Highway Patrolman has been cited for leaving the scene of an accident that occurred while he was escorting the University of South Carolina football team to the airport, FITS has learned.
The patrolman involved in the hit-and-run incident was issued a “level two” reprimand for his conduct, which S.C. Department of Public Safety spokesman Sid Gaulden told FITS was “not the most severe punishment, but not a slap on the wrist either.”
The incident – which was described by both SCDPS and Lexington County officials as a “minor collision” with a motorist – took place in November shortly before the Gamecock football team traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas for a late-season game against the unranked Arkansas Razorbacks.
In case anybody forgot, Arkansas pummeled USC 33-16 – part of the Gamecocks’ season ending 1-4 skid.
Anyway, both the SCDPS and Lexington County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident prior to the reprimand being issued.
The story came to light Monday when multiple sources informed FITS of an unsigned letter circulating within the Department of Public Safety – which oversees the S.C. Highway Patrol.
This unsigned letter referenced an internal investigation into two Highway Patrol officers, both of whom were alleged to have “covered up” the hit-and-run.
Gaulden confirmed to FITS that there is an “ongoing internal investigation” into one of the officers mentioned in the letter, but said that this inquiry was unrelated to the incident involving the USC football team.
Pic: Travis Bell, Sideline Carolina
By CNSYD February 22, 2010 at 7:39 pm
FITS I know you must have this story all screwed up. According to your readers only police in Pickens County cover things up.
By albert glenn February 22, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Why would the football team need a police escort to the airport? What a waste of my tax money.
By Elliott February 22, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Glad it wasn’t me who committed a hit-and-run. I’d be in jail even if I was actually driving someone to the airport to catch a plane.
By redneck1 February 22, 2010 at 10:22 pm
More waist of tax payer money USC Using-Stupid-Citizens Tax Payer Money
This needs to stop while they are making people furlough make USC pay like everyone else.
By Todd February 23, 2010 at 8:16 am
Was Jean Toal involved? Again.
By Toyota Kawaski February 23, 2010 at 8:33 am
wow great non story
By fitsnews February 23, 2010 at 8:41 am
TK-
We could write the story on Spurrier’s four (five?) toupees and you would say it was a non-story.
Which toupee is he wearing this week? Because our money is on the “it’s time for a haircut” toupee?
-FITS
P.S. – You know our motto: “Win F*cking Games.”
By LOL February 23, 2010 at 10:50 am
Why are the taxpayers made to pay for traffic control at these games? So some politician can keep getting his\her season box tickets thats why.
By Bobby Hagwood February 23, 2010 at 8:05 pm
What was the name of the trooper involved?
By ACC February 23, 2010 at 10:36 pm
You know it just pisses me off how Troopers think they are above everyone else, citizens, and other Law Enforcement, Town, City, County. If this would have been a Richland County or Lexington County Deputy their picture and name would have been posted over the TV and State newspaper. Who was the Trooper what exactly happened and name the other Troopers who are involved in the cover up!!! What is DPS scared of, they have no problem bringing out another officer out if they bust them for traffic offenses, but you can’t hold your own to the same scrutiny!!!
By CNSYD February 24, 2010 at 10:20 am
How many times have you seen a marked HP car speeding without its blue lights and/or siren on? This is a violation. The HP says we should call the office and provide the license number, etc. and they will take care of it. Right. Think that once the offender has your name that your every move won’t be watched?