Vehicle slams into patrol car on Interstate 20

BISHOPVILLE — A Lee County sheriff's deputy is recovering from injuries not considered life-threatening that he suffered when a car on Interstate 20 plowed into the back of his patrol vehicle on Monday morning.

Capt. Tillman Smith of the Lee County Sheriff's Office was sitting in the driver's seat about 8:50 a.m. Monday, writing a ticket for a traffic violation, when another car slammed into the back of the late-model Crown Victoria patrol vehicle, said Maj. Tim Clavon.

Smith was taken to Carolina Pines Hospital in Hartsville, where he was treated and released.

The driver of the second car, whose name was not available, has been charged with DUI, officials said.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

Smith's patrol car has been determined to be a total loss, Clavon said.