May 9, 2000
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755
STATE TRANSPORT POLICE OFFICER ARRESTS
SHOOTING SUSPECT AFTER ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP
COLUMBIA - State Transport Police L/Cpl. James Bolin thought he was making a routine traffic stop in the early morning hours of May 7 in York County. Bolin was running radar on I-77 Southbound in Fort Mill around 4:15 a.m. when a Dodge Ram truck sped by him going 90 mph in a 55 mph construction zone. Bolin activated his blue lights and followed the truck for about one mile, planning to issue a speeding ticket.
As he approached the truck, the driver, Ronald Stanley Mack of Batesburg, told Bolin that he had weapons in the truck. Bolin asked Mack to come to the back of the truck where Mack told him that he had shot someone earlier and wanted to give himself up. Bolin found out that there were outstanding warrants for Mack in Lexington County for an incident at Robison’s Marina earlier in the morning. Mack had allegedly shot Patrick Jeter of Leesville.
Bolin arrested and transported Mack to the York County Detention Center. Mack was extradited to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Monday where he has been charged with assault and battery with intent to kill for allegedly shooting Jeter. He also was charged with attempted assault and battery with intent to kill for allegedly shooting at another man in the parking lot at Robinson’s Marina that night.
"I tried to keep the fellow calm by treating him with respect," Bolin said. "It was obvious he wanted to turn himself in. The incident reminded me that every traffic stop should make you scared. I thought I was pulling someone over for speeding."
Bolin, stationed in STP District 4, has been with the State Transport Police for five years. STP, a division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, is primarily responsible for enforcing state and federal laws governing commercial motor vehicles. Bolin was named "State Inspector of the Year" the past three years and "Best Motor Coach Inspector" nationally in 1999. He recently was named 1999 STP Employee of the Year by DPS.
"Officer Bolin has routinely set himself apart as an outstanding officer with excellent judgment," said DPS Director Boykin Rose. "We are fortunate that Officer Bolin handled the situation as professionally and calmly as he did and no one else got hurt."
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