POLICEA South Carolina state trooper was hit by a vehicle this morning while on a traffic stop in Lexington County. Master Trooper Wayne H. LaBounty became South Carolina’s third trooper to be hit by a vehicle since Aug. 13. Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks was struck by a vehicle on Aug.13 while on a traffic stop in Orangeburg County. He died nearly four days later and was the 52nd South Carolina trooper to lose his life while on duty. Senior Trooper Mitchell Williams Jr. is recovering at home from injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle Sept. 7.