FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2003
Contact: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPER FATALLY SHOT WHILE OFF DUTY

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety regretfully announces that L/Cpl. John W. Gadson Jr., who was assigned to Troop 5 in Conway, was fatally shot Monday while off duty.

“The Highway Patrol is saddened by the loss of our colleague, John Gadson Jr. and his wife,” said Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this difficult time.”

Gadson, 48, joined the Highway Patrol in 1979. After graduating from Patrol school, he began work in December 1979 in Pickens County, which is in Troop 3. In January 1981, he went to Troop 6 serving in Walterboro. He had most recently been assigned to Conway where he had served since 1989.

Media: Please refer all other questions to the Horry County Police Department. The Highway Patrol does not have a photograph of L/Cpl. Gadson.

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