A Protector's Peril: SC Trooper Seriously Injured by Suspected Drunken Driver on I-20

In a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who dedicate their lives to public safety, a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper was critically injured early Monday morning when his patrol car was violently struck by a suspected drunken driver. The incident, which unfolded on I-20 West in Richland County, underscores the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the constant vigilance required of our first responders.

The brave officer, identified as Lance Cpl.

D. M. Lyles, was performing a routine act of service that can turn deadly in an instant. Just after 1 a.m., Lyles had positioned his 2020 Dodge Charger patrol vehicle behind a disabled 2012 Honda Civic in the emergency lane near the Clemson Road exit. His emergency lights, a beacon meant to signal caution and safety, were flashing brightly, clearly indicating a hazardous situation ahead.

He was there to help, a guardian against the dangers of the interstate.

However, the clear warning proved insufficient against the reckless actions of a 2011 Chevrolet Impala, driven by 35-year-old Jonathan David Capps. According to reports from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Capps' vehicle inexplicably veered from the center lane, swerving directly into the emergency lane.

The Impala first collided with crushing force into Lyles' patrol car, then continued its destructive path, striking the disabled Honda Civic that the trooper was protecting.

The impact was severe. Lance Cpl. Lyles sustained injuries that necessitated immediate medical attention, and he was rushed to Prisma Health Richland.

Miraculously, the driver of the disabled Honda Civic escaped the terrifying ordeal physically unharmed. Capps, the driver responsible for the carnage, was also transported to the hospital for evaluation of minor injuries before facing the legal consequences of his actions.

The aftermath saw Capps charged with felony driving under the influence (DUI) with great bodily injury, a charge that reflects the serious nature of the trooper's injuries and the potential long-term impact.

Further charges included open container and simple possession of marijuana, painting a grim picture of irresponsibility. The investigation into this alarming incident remains active, with the South Carolina Highway Patrol continuing its efforts alongside the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to piece together every detail.

This tragic event serves as a somber illustration of the inherent risks law enforcement officers face every single day.

While assisting motorists and securing accident scenes, they are often most vulnerable to the very dangers they are trying to mitigate. It is a powerful reminder to all drivers to remain vigilant, sober, and attentive, especially when passing emergency vehicles, ensuring that those who protect us are themselves protected on our roads.