Gaffney Man Accused Of Shooting SCHP Trooper Indicted On Federal Charge

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U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lyndon announced Wednesday that Willie Wright has been charged in a one-count federal indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe every single day. Our commitment to them is that when they are met with violence, we will hold offenders accountable. We are grateful to ATF, SLED, the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and Solicitor Brackett for their assistance and critical work in this matter.”

According to the indictment, Wright had a FN Herstal, model Five-Seven, semi-automatic pistol and several rounds of 5.7 x 28mm ammunition in his possession when he allegedly shot a trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol in York County on June 2nd.

To view the full Criminal Complaint filed on June 6th, click HERE.

To view the full Indictment filed on June 25th, click HERE.

Original Story (June 7, 2019):

ROCK HILL, SC — A criminal complaint has been filed against the man accused of shooting a South Carolina Trooper on the night of Sunday, June 2nd in Rock Hill.

According to the complaint, Willie Wright, 27, of Gaffney, SC, is charged with Attempted Murder, Weapons Possession by a Person Convicted of a Violent Felony and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime.

The complaint alleges that around 7:49pm on Sunday, Trooper Paul A. Wise with the South Carolina Highway Patrol attempted to stop Wright on Mount Gallant Road in connection to a seat belt violation.

Wright reportedly took off and led Wise on a brief pursuit that ended when he turned onto India Hook Road and crashed into the gate at Camp Canaan Campground.

According to the complaint, Trooper Wise’s dash camera video captured Wright exiting his BMW armed with a firearm and firing at least 12 shots at his patrol car. Wise was reportedly hit in his chest, which was covered by a bullet proof vest, and suffered injuries to the right side of his neck due to “foreign debris.”

The complaint says Wise returned fire, striking Wright and forcing him to the ground. Wright was taken into custody without further incident.

Trooper Wise and Wright were taken to area hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Officials say Wise was released from Piedmont Medical Center the following morning.

South Carolina Department of Public Safety Director Leroy Smith credits body armor with saving the trooper’s life.

“I am so thankful that his issued body armor stopped the round, saving his life,” said SCDPS Director Smith. “As I said during last night’s news briefing, law enforcement is a calling, and this is why we refer to these brave men and women—like Trooper Wise—as heroes. Our law enforcement works day and night to ensure the safety and security of us all.”

Wright was taken to a medical facility in Charlotte, NC and released into police custody Monday evening. He is currently being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail where he awaits extradition to York County.

According to court records, Wright was convicted of several felony offenses in 2013. Those crimes included Attempted Armed Robbery, Attempted Murder and Criminal Conspiracy.

The SCHP says Trooper Wise has been with the Department of Public Safety since September 2016. Per department protocol, he will be placed on administrative duties once he returns to work.

Wright was scheduled to be in court on Friday. We are working to get updates on that appearance.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back for updates.