South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Corporal R.A. Lee (Troop 4, Post C) earned 2025 Statewide Trooper of the Year for stopping a wrong-way stolen vehicle on I-77 in Chester County, N.C., on July 8, 2025.
Chase Details
A pursuit from Charlotte crossed into SC; the driver, Chauncee Malek Platt (31), evaded stop sticks and drove against northbound traffic. Lee positioned his cruiser to block, taking a rear-end hit that totaled his vehicle and ended the chase—no serious injuries to others.
Recognition
Lee quoted: “I had the higher likelihood of surviving a crash.” Got Medal of Valor in September 2025 plus a new truck; honored statewide in March 2026 ceremony over nine division winners.
Real guts—put public first on that deadly stretch. Classic SCHP valor,
