MYRTLE BEACH, SC — An S.C. Highway Patrol trooper surrendered to Horry County Sheriff deputies Monday afternoon to face charges related to three pedestrians being hit near a Myrtle Beach area gentleman’s club and leaving the scene, according to authorities.

Christopher Lee “C.L.” Bridges, a lance corporal with the highway patrol since 2007 who was assigned to Horry County, was suspended from duty Sunday and has since resigned, according to officials with the S.C. Department of Public Safety.

Bridges, whose age was not immediately available, is being held pending a bond hearing on three counts of hit and run with an accident involving minor personal injuries stemming from an incident early Sunday, Horry County Sgt. Jeff Benton said.

Bridges was in his personal vehicle traveling on Jason Boulevard near the Gold Club, off U.S. 501, when his vehicle struck three pedestrians, Benton said. Bridges got out of his vehicle, checked on the well-being of the pedestrians and called 911 to report the incident.

Bridges then left the scene.

Through witness descriptions and the investigation, officers were able to find Bridges at his home several hours afte the incident, which occurred between 2:45 and 3:15 a.m. Sunday, Benton said.

“We were able to determine he was the driver of that vehicle,” Benton said.

The victims were taken to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center and treated and released, Benton said.

Bridges was suspended without pay Sunday before he resigned his position, according to a release from the S.C. Department of public Safety.

In the release, Highway Patrol Commander Col. Mike Oliver said: “Our troopers are expected to earn the public’s trust and to serve with professionalism and integrity. That is why the S.C. Highway Patrol and Department of Public Safety dealt expeditiously with this matter involving L/Cpl. Bridges. We will not let this negatively impact the fine work of more than 700 troopers who professionally serve and protect our state’s citizens and visitors.”