SOUTH CAROLINA () – The Augusta man who allegedly shot at a South Carolina State Trooper has been been indicted by a federal grand jury in Columbia.

According to the indictment, on April 16th, 2023, Derrick Gathers, 38, of Augusta, allegedly possessed a firearm and ammunition during an incident where he shot at Lance Corporal B.A. Frazier.

According to authorities, Lance Corporal Frazier was conducting a traffic stop for a speeding vehicle on Highway 78 in Denmark, and a Bamberg County Sheriff’s Office deputy was in the area and stopped to assist.

According to the South Carolina Patrol Department, Gathers fired a pistol, which shot Lance Corporal Frazier, and Lance Corporal Frazier and another deputy returned fire, striking the vehicle as Gathers drove away.

According to authorities, Lance Corporal Frazier has recovered from his injuries.

According to the United States Department of Justice, a federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment against Gathers for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the indictment, Gathers has been charged in state court for a number of other charges related to the incident and has a previous felony conviction that prevents him from possessing a firearm or ammunition. 

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Gathers faces a maximum penalty of 15 years and has already been detained on state charges.