ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. —

A South Carolina state trooper is in critical condition after being hit by a box truck during a traffic stop early Saturday morning, according to the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred on Aug. 10, around 2 a.m., on Interstate 26 eastbound near mile marker 165.

Authorities say trooper First Class Dennis Ricks was conducting a traffic stop and was walking back to his patrol vehicle when he was hit by a large box truck driven by Anthony Aydlette, 45.

South Carolina Department of Public Safety

Deputies confirmed that Ricks' emergency blue lights were activated during the stop.

Ricks was airlifted to Trident Medical Center in North Charleston where he remains in critical condition.

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