Woman charged with DUI after crashing into patrol car making traffic stop, SC sheriff says
A deputy and another person were injured Friday when a vehicle crashed into a patrol car that had made a traffic stop, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
The crash happened around 2 a.m. in the area of Broad River Road and Zimalcrest Drive, the sheriff’s department said in a news release. That’s in Columbia, near the junction of Interstate 20 and Interstate 26.
Deputies pulled over a vehicle that made an improper lane change and discovered there were multiple guns inside of the vehicle, so the driver and passenger were asked to step out, according to the release.
While deputies continued the traffic stop with the driver, an assisting deputy stepped away with the passenger, the sheriff’s department said.
Both the assisting deputy and the passenger were standing out of the roadway, beside the deputy’s patrol car, when the sheriff’s department said a drunk driver struck the back of the patrol car, causing the car to hit the civilian and the deputy.
Other deputies on scene immediately requested EMS and provided aid to the civilian who was conscious and alert when taken to a local hospital, according to the release. Further information on the passenger’s condition was not available.
The sheriff’s department said its deputy suffered minor injuries and was cleared on scene by EMS.
The driver of the car that rear ended the patrol car was detained and identified as 36-year-old Capona Turner, according to the release. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading an investigation into the wreck and charged Turner with driving under the influence (.10 but less than .16), officials said.
She was transported to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, according to the sheriff’s department. Turner’s bond was set at $1,224.50 and has been posted, Richland County court records show.
The driver of the vehicle that was initially stopped was charged with simple possession of marijuana, possession of meth as well as an open container of liquor and was taken to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, the sheriff’s department said.
“My thoughts are with the victim that was injured,” Sheriff Leon Lott said in the release, “we are so fortunate that this incident was not any worse than it already is. Thankfully, our deputy is doing well and will be able to return to work. I hope people understand that driving impaired is one of the most selfish things you can do.”
The sheriff’s department wants to remind drivers that if you plan to drink, know how you are going to get home.
“Schedule a ride share, make arrangements to be picked up or to stay with someone; don’t selfishly put others’ lives at risk,” the sheriff’s department said.
Since 2018, Turner has been convicted of five separate traffic violations, court records show.
She’s scheduled to return to court regarding the DUI charge on March 18, according to judicial records.
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This story was originally published February 23, 2025 at 9:11 AM with the headline "Woman charged with DUI after crashing into patrol car making traffic stop, SC sheriff says."
