End of Watch
5/16/2005

Senior Trooper Parker was killed while on duty in Sumter County. His Patrol vehicle was struck by a fugitive who was evading other law enforcement officers.

Trooper Parker, who was ahead of the pursuit, had stopped his patrol car on the shoulder of the highway to wait for the pursuit to reach his location. The suspect then intentionally drove his vehicle into the parked patrol car, causing it to burst into flames. The suspect attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended at the scene by assisting officers.

The suspect was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to life without parole. He was sentenced to an additional 25 years for failure to stop and attempting to evade law enforcement.

Trooper Parker had served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for 5 years, and had previously served with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife, parents, brother, and four sisters.