South Carolina police officer Don "DJ" Keller was killed in the line of duty while responding to assist officers during a traffic stop involving a 15-year-old driver. (Credit: Greenwood Police)
GREENWOOD, S.C. - A South Carolina police officer was killed in the line of duty during a pursuit.
The Greenwood Police Department said Officer Don "DJ" Keller died on May 11.
Dig deeper:
According to South Carolina Public Radio, Greenwood Police Chief T.J. Chaudoin said Keller was responding to assist officers during a traffic stop involving a 15-year-old driver.
Investigators said the driver fled in an attempt to evade law enforcement, crossed into oncoming traffic, and collided head-on with Keller’s patrol vehicle near the intersection of East Cambridge Avenue and Ames Street South.
Chaudoin said investigators believe the teenager had previously been connected to several shooting-related incidents.
Two passengers, ages 17 and 18, were also inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. All three occupants were taken to the hospital. Authorities have not released the conditions of the driver or the rear-seat passenger.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the third passenger was released from the hospital Tuesday and taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia.
The backstory:
Authorities said Keller served as a police officer for three years after his time in the military. He was committed to protecting others and took pride in serving his community. He is survived by his wife, Alison, and their 2-year-old daughter.
His K9 partner, Vice, was also inside the vehicle during the incident but was not hurt.
What you can do:
A fundraiser has been launched to help the family with expenses.
The Source: Information in this story came from statements released by the Greenwood Police Department, comments from Greenwood Police Chief T.J. Chaudoin during a press conference, reporting by South Carolina Public Radio, and details provided by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. This story was reported from Los Angeles.