SC trooper was targeted in shooting and two men are behind bars, sheriff says
Two men were recently arrested after a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper was targeted in a shooting, according to the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Orangeburg residents Labaron Washington, 37, and Brandon Green, 36, were both charged with attempted murder, the sheriff’s office said Monday in a news release. Washington also was charged with possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to the release.
The shooting happened at about 3 a.m. Saturday, the sheriff’s office said.
The trooper was trying to pull over a vehicle, and was behind a Ford Explorer at a stop sign when an occupant of the vehicle fired at him, according to the release. Before the trooper was able to activate his emergency lights for the traffic violation he saw the SUV’s passenger extend his arm out of a window and fire a shot, according to an arrest warrant.
The trooper, who was not hurt, did not return fire, the sheriff’s office said.
After the shooting, the trooper backed off and followed the SUV at a safe distance until backup arrived, according to an arrest warrant.
A vehicle pursuit involving responding troopers ended on John C. Calhoun Drive in Orangeburg, when Washington, identified as the driver, and Green were taken into custody, according to the sheriff’s office.
No injuries were reported.
Green admitted to shooting a gun, according to an arrest warrant.
“Fortunately, the trooper was not hit during this incident,” Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said in the release. “He was conducting a lawful traffic stop when this occurred.”
There was no word about a motive for the gunfire.
On Monday, both Washington and Green were denied bond on the attempted murder charges, according to the release.
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