State v. Bridgers

TOAL, Justice:

In this action involving the interpretation of S.C.Code Ann. § 16-3-1040 (Supp.1996), we review the Court of Appeals’ finding that Highway Patrol officers are not “public officials” within the meaning of the statute. We reverse the Court of Appeals and reinstate the conviction and sentence of the trial court.

Factual/Procedural Background

On July 10, 1993, Graham Davie Bridgers was involved in a car accident. Although he left the scene, witnesses were able to identify Bridgers’s vehicle and give the license plate number to the Highway Patrol. Corporal Jack Chamberlain and two…