Officials Identify Trooper Critically Injured on I-26 in Orangeburg County
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Officials have identified the South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper who was critically injured during a traffic stop early Sunday morning on Interstate 26 in Orangeburg County, according to WLTX.
Incident Details
Authorities say the crash occurred around 2 a.m. near mile marker 166.
A preliminary investigation by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department — requested by the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office — indicates that Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks was outside his marked patrol unit when he was struck by a vehicle.
No other injuries were reported in the incident.
Suspect Arrested
Investigators confirmed that 45-year-old Anthony Aydlette of Hanahan was taken into custody and charged with driving under suspension. He was booked into the Orangeburg County Jail and remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Trooper’s Condition
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety confirmed that Trooper Ricks sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a North Charleston hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
According to the nonprofit Serve & Connect, Ricks has been with the SCHP since 2023 and is assigned to Troop 7, Post B, serving Calhoun and Orangeburg counties.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
SCHP Commander Colonel Christopher N. Williamson described Ricks as someone with a “passion for serving his community” and said that “alongside his wife and family, his brothers and sisters in uniform are praying hard for his recovery.”
Serve & Connect has launched a recovery fund in coordination with state agencies and law enforcement nonprofits. Donations can be made through October 31 via the Serve & Connect website.
Ricks’ wife has also shared a public message: “Please pray for Dennis.”
Have thoughts or prayers for Trooper Ricks and his family? Share your messages of support in the comments and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
