Patrolman William Whitwell was shot and killed with his own weapon after stopping a vehicle for speeding.
Unbeknownst to Patrolman Whitwell, the two occupants had just robbed a local fast food restaurant. As he was talking with the men the robbery call was broadcast over the radio and Patrolman Whitwell observed a money bag in the vehicle. A struggle ensued and Patrolman Whitwell was shot with his own weapon.
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Whitwell pulled over 19-year-old Andrew Jackson Braden III, 17-year-old James O’Neal and 26-year-old Ramona Lockeridge for speeding at the intersection of Confederate Drive and Wheeler Drive near the entrance of Columbia’s Woodland Park.
During a traffic stop, Whitwell discovered the three individuals inside the vehicle just robbed an employee at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, who was making a night deposit on High Street.
When he attempted to make the arrest, the three suspects overpowered Whitwell and he was shot with his own weapon.
'They took his gun and took his handcuffs,' Columbia Police Department Assistant Chief Michelle Jones said. “Another officer found him laying in the middle of the road.”
Because the only means of communication was a car radio, the injured officer was unable to call for backup.
Whitwell passed away the following day from injuries sustained from the gunshot.
At the time of his death, Whitwell had a 3-year-old son, Ryan, and his wife Sandy has never remarried.
