2 Highway Patrol troopers hit during overnight traffic stop

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect is in custody after a hit-and-run that injured two South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers.

Deputies said the troopers were hit by a silver Chrysler during a traffic stop on Cedar Lane Road at Alamo Street at around 2 a.m. on Sunday. After the collision, the driver fled the scene without stopping.

South Carolina Highway Patrol said Lance Cpl. Trooper Kugler was standing outside the patrol car while Trooper Stuhmer was getting out of the patrol car when they were both hit by the vehicle.

Both troopers were taken to the hospital for treatment. According to Highway Patrol, Trooper Stuhmer was treated and released.

However, Lance Cpl. Trooper Kugler is being treated for critical injuries, according to Highway Patrol.

Deputies say the suspect, Roger Seawright, was taken into custody about an hour after the incident. At 11 a.m. Sunday morning, Seawright appeared in bond court.

Seawright is first charged with hit-and-run with great bodily injury. He was later charged with hit-and-run with minor personal injury, and driving the wrong way on a divided highway.

Lance Cpl. Trooper Kugler’s wife was at the bond hearing and spoke on behalf of her husband and family, asking the judge to deny bond because “her kids are without their father.”

The suspect was denied bond and will make another appearance in Circuit Court within the next 30 days.

Serve and Connect has set up a recovery fund for Kugler and his family.

According to the fundraiser’s page, Kugler has served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for 7 years and was recognized over the summer by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his DUI enforcement efforts.

The fundraiser’s page also said that Kugler shares five children with his wife and has another on the way. The funds raised will go towards helping them cover medical bills and other needs connected to his recovery.

For more information on the fundraiser, you can visit Serve and Connect - L/Cpl. Devin Kugler Recovery Fund.

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this hit-and-run incident.

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