FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2000

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 1-800-712-7591 (pager)

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety regretfully announces that Trooper Eric Nicholson, 28, was shot and killed earlier today in a routine traffic stop in Greenville County.

"The entire department is shocked and saddened by the senseless death of Trooper Nicholson," said DPS Director Boykin Rose. "Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends."

"Trooper Nicholson made the ultimate sacrifice in his service to the people of South Carolina," said Highway Patrol Col. Ralph Mobley. "As troopers, we realize that our lives are on the line each and every day, but we are never really prepared for the tragic loss of one of our own."

Trooper Nicholson was shot several times following a routine traffic stop just off I-85 in Greenville County just after noon today and died a short time later.

The alleged assailant fled the scene but was later apprehended in rural Anderson County following a gun battle with law enforcement. An Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputy and the alleged assailant were both wounded in the shoot-out; however, the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time. The suspect’s identity has not yet been confirmed.

A native of New York, Trooper Nicholson joined the Patrol in November 1998. He began his career in Florence County and transferred to Greenville County in 1999. He is survived by his wife, Misty Nicholson, of Greenville.

Nicholson is the eleventh trooper to die in the line of duty in the last ten years and the second trooper in Greenville County to die in the line of duty this year. L/Cpl. David Bailey died April 5 in an automobile crash while making a traffic stop on I-85 in Greenville County.

***Editor’s Note: A photograph of Trooper Nicholson can be downloaded from the DPS web site at http://www.scdps.org/ . Information regarding the memorial service will be released by DPS as soon as information is available.

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