A state Highway Patrol trooper was shot in the hand Saturday night during a traffic stop in Kershaw County, state Public Safety Department spokesman Sid Gaulden said.

The man suspected of shooting the trooper was shot several times, Gaulden said. “A number of shots were fired between the trooper and the shooter,” he said.

Sgt. James Sinkler stopped a vehicle on Springdale Road between 8:30 and 9 p.m. “The guy came out shooting,” Gaulden said.

The suspect shot Sinkler twice in the chest, but Sinkler was wearing his bulletproof vest, Gaulden said: “It saved his life.”

Sinkler and Senior Trooper Derren Wilson, who arrived on the scene, both fired shots at the suspect, who was taken to Palmetto Health Richland. His condition was unavailable.

Sinkler was taken to Kershaw County Medical Center in Camden. Gaulden, who saw him late Saturday, said he was in “good shape.” Sinkler, who has been a trooper for 15 years, is married with two children.

The Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident.

— Lauren Leach