Investigation into traffic stop may take on racial overtones
BY SCHUYLER KROPF Of The Post and Courier Staff The criminal probe into excessive force on the part of two state Highway Patrol troopers in Orangeburg County may take on racial overtones because the troopers are white and the motorist is black. Officials have declined to give many details on the case, but one of the troopers involved resigned last week and the other has been suspended without pay. The investigation has been turned over to the State Law Enforcement Division and the 1st Circuit Solicitor's office for review. SLED Chief Robert Stewart declined to comment Monday other than to say the probe is continuing. The facts will be made public at a trial or disclosed in an indictment if charges are filed, he said, or at the conclusion of the investigation if there is no prosecution. "I routinely discuss these matters with federal authorities," Stewart added. He declined to elaborate. According to sources familiar with the case, the driver's vehicle was pulled over as part of a traffic stop on or about July 20 in Orangeburg County. It was during the early morning hours. The location of the stop has not been disclosed, although officials said it was not on either of the two largest traffic arteries in Orangeburg County, Interstates 95 and 26. Officials have declined to discuss what occurred at the stop or identify the driver. It is also not known if a citation was issued. Lance Cpl. Chad Williams submitted his resignation letter last Friday. Senior Trooper R.V. Giddens was suspended without pay on Aug. 1. Williams had been with the Highway Patrol since July 1996. Giddens has been on the force since July 2000. 1st Circuit Solicitor Walter Bailey Jr. was out of the office Monday and could not be reached for comment. Deputy Solicitor Robby Robbins declined to give details of the investigation, but said he thought Bailey had seen a videotape of the traffic stop that was recorded on one of the troopers' dashboard video cameras. Robbins said he didn't know if the driver had an attorney but said no one representing the driver had contacted the solicitor's office.
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