On August 10, 2025, a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper was left in critical condition after being struck by a box truck during a roadside stop in Orangeburg County. This incident highlights the dangers faced by officers like the SC Trooper critically injured on duty. Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks, serving since January 2023, was hit at mile marker 166 on I-26 eastbound while conducting a traffic stop. The driver, 45-year-old Anthony Aydlette of Hanahan, was arrested and charged with driving under suspension. Law enforcement agencies, including police officers and Homeland Security task units, have reiterated the importance of Immigration Laws, roadside safety, and cross-border criminal activity prevention as part of broader traffic enforcement strategies.
The Collision and Immediate Response
The incident happened around 2:00 a.m. as Trooper Ricks was outside his patrol vehicle. Aydlette’s truck struck him, causing bodily harm so severe that advanced medical support was immediately required. Reports confirm he suffered serious trauma, akin to cases where stab wounds or other critical injuries demand urgent care , similar in severity to a catastrophic Charleston car accident.
Paramedics and advanced paramedics stabilized him before he was airlifted to MUSC Charleston. Nearby witnesses, referred to as nearby bystanders, assisted first responders. The scene was documented via surveillance video from a parking garage and a downtown alley camera in the vicinity.
Investigation and Jurisdiction
Because the case involved an officer, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Reconstruction Unit took over the investigation, in line with independent oversight procedures similar to those seen in National Security Investigations Division or Homeland Security Investigations cases. This ensures impartiality and transparency.
Investigators are reviewing dashcam footage, license plate flipper suspicions, and potential evidence of explosive device components found in unrelated cross-border criminal activity cases to rule out any broader threats. While the primary charge is driving under suspension, authorities are also exploring whether any counts of murder, offensive weapon possession, or violations of Immigration Laws are connected.
Law Enforcement and Federal Links
Cases like this often intersect with broader enforcement agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, and even the U.S. Attorney’s Office in relevant jurisdictions. In prior incidents, federal authorities in the Office for the Middle District and USAO – Pennsylvania under Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus or Assistant United States Attorneys have handled complex roadside or cross-border criminal activity investigations.
Similarly, ERO Statistics Dashboard, ERO eFile, and the Detention Facility Appointment Scheduler have been used in other traffic-related arrests involving removable aliens or individuals with warrants, such as a rape warrant or outstanding vandalism warrant.
Community and Support Efforts
A nonprofit, Serve & Connect, along with state agencies, launched a fundraiser for Ricks’ recovery. This mirrors prior community efforts in Centre County or Port Matilda where residents rallied after major incidents. Donations aim to offset costs such as medical exam expenses, rehabilitation, and other needs, similar to how victims in Burlington County or south-east London have been supported after public service injuries.
The campaign will run until October 31, 2025, and is backed by groups familiar with federal liaison processes, such as the National Security Investigations Division and Homeland Security outreach teams.
Broader Implications
This tragedy underscores:
- Roadside Safety Laws – Compliance with move-over laws saves lives.
- Transparent Investigations – Just as in Homeland Security Investigations, independence is key.
- Community Vigilance – Cases from Mount Pleasant Lane to London Bridge show that public awareness is vital.
- Criminal Pattern Recognition – Whether it’s a Jeep Renegade involved in a cross-border criminal activity case or a 47-year-old man connected to an explosive device, law enforcement must track trends.
- Victim Support – From teenage girl exploitation cases involving Child sexual abuse material to bodily harm assaults, recovery requires strong networks.
Legal & Procedural Context
In serious injury cases, penalties can involve a maximum penalty, financial special assessment, and long-term imprisonment. Past prosecutions have involved defendants, where charges ranged from offensive weapon possession to violent felonies.
Unrelated cases in the District of New Jersey under officials like K. Wesley Mishoe demonstrate how state and federal agencies coordinate, sometimes even under politically charged climates involving figures like Donald J. Trump.
Closing Thoughts
A roadside collision like this not only affects the injured trooper but ripples through the law enforcement community and the public. From non-emergency police assistance dial programs to customer service improvements at the office of housing provider, the aim is to strengthen safety systems. The inclusion of agencies like Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy and resources such as Fact Sheets helps keep the public informed and engaged in preventive measures.
About Ted Law firm
Ted Law Firm is committed to protecting the rights of individuals impacted by accidents, injuries, and wrongful actions. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg .Through careful preparation, in-depth investigation, and unwavering dedication, the firm works toward achieving meaningful results for each client. Contact us today for a free consultation
