A Sumter police officer was killed and another was injured in a head-on collision Friday afternoon, reports WISTV.com.
Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson identified the victim as 39-year-old Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Nesbitt Jr., who was traveling with Master Patrolman James Cox.
The incident occurred at about 3 p.m. on Highway 521 near the town of Rembert, as the two officers were returning from a prisoner transport.
Both officers were taken to Kershaw Health, police reported, where Nesbitt was pronounced dead at about 4 p.m. and Cox was treated for his injuries. There was no word on the condition of the other driver.
Officers told WISTV that Nesbitt was a dedicated 10-year veteran who truly cared about his work and others.
"He was very close with his wife and parents," said Deputy Chief Russell Roark. "He was very dedicated in the community, and someone you could count on."
"Chuck is like our family, and it's not unlike another situation where you have someone losing a family member," said Roark.
The Highway Patrol is investigating the incident and no charges have yet been filed.
