SC deputy was on duty when hit by ‘presumed drunk driver,’ sheriff says
A deputy was injured in a crash Saturday night while in the line of duty, according to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Will Johnson was in a vehicle that was hit head-on by a presumed drunk driver, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
The deputy was hospitalized with what the sheriff’s office called non-life-threatening injuries. Further information on his condition was not available, but the sheriff’s office said that Johnson was examined and treated before being released from the hospital.
The multi-vehicle collision happened before 8:30 p.m., according to the release. Johnson was on routine patrol in the Jalapa area of Newberry County, the sheriff’s office said.
Prior to hitting Johnson’s patrol car, the suspected drunk driver narrowly avoided colliding with another vehicle, according to the release.
After his patrol vehicle was wrecked, the deputy called Newberry County dispatch seeking help, as he was briefly trapped in the car, the sheriff’s office said.
Johnson eventually got out of the car, then checked on the other driver involved in the crash, according to the release.
Johnson demonstrated “his continued commitment to public safety even under dangerous circumstances,” the sheriff’s office said in the release.
The sheriff’s office did not report any other injuries.
Steven Ray Hyler, a 46-year-old Whitmire resident, was identified as the other driver, the sheriff’s office said. Hyler was charged with DUI and was booked into the Newberry County Detention Center, according to the release.
Hyler has been arrested dozens of times in the past 20-plus years, including last week, when he was charged with open container of beer or wine in motor vehicle, Newberry County court records show. The charge from that April 21 arrest is pending.
Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the crash and are leading the investigation.
“We are thankful that Deputy Johnson’s injuries were not more serious and proud of his actions following the crash,” Sheriff Lee Foster said. “This incident is a strong reminder of the dangers impaired drivers pose not only to law enforcement but to everyone on the road. We urge all motorists to make responsible decisions and never drive under the influence.”
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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 10:05 AM with the headline "SC deputy was on duty when hit by ‘presumed drunk driver,’ sheriff says."
