June 28, 2004
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety named Lance Corporal M.W. Jones the South Carolina Highway Patrol Troop 2 Trooper of the Year at a June 23 ceremony.
Jones is currently stationed in Troop 2, Post A (Laurens, Newberry counties). He began his career with the Highway Patrol in 1990. Before joining the Highway Patrol, Jones served as a police officer for one year in Emerald Isle, NC. He served two years with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office. He served from 1984-1988 in the U.S. Marines.
This past November, L/Cpl. Jones was faced with a life-threatening situation. After making a routine traffic stop, the suspect stepped out of his vehicle and confronted L/Cpl. Jones. He advised the suspect to return to his vehicle and present his driver’s license and proof of insurance. The suspect got into his vehicle and fled.
L/Cpl. Jones pursued the suspect into Clinton where he drove to the back parking lot of Clinton High School. The driver stopped the vehicle and jumped out, armed with an AK47 assault rifle. He attempted to fire at L/Cpl. Jones who was still in his Patrol vehicle. L/Cpl. Jones reacted quickly to this escalating situation, backing away to create distance. The suspect got back into his vehicle and began backing toward L/Cpl. Jones who had retrieved his shot gun.
Fearing for his life, L/Cpl. Jones fired on the suspect striking him several times. The suspect was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital and released to law enforcement after several days. He was charged with assault with intent to kill a law enforcement officer as well as a number of other state and federal charges.
“L/Cpl. Jones has performed his duties in an outstanding and professional manner whether assisting a stranded motorist or helping evacuate coastal areas on the approach of a dangerous storm,” said Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark. “It is his excellent judgment, work ethic and initiative that have won him the respect of his fellow troopers, other law enforcement agencies and the community.”
Jones is a graduate of Pelion High School. He is a native of Columbia and has four children, Amber, 15, Joshua, 14, Rachael, 12, and Caleb, 11. Jones is active in his community. He is an ordained minister with New Covenant Fellowship, works with the jail and prison ministries and is a hospital chaplain.
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