South Carolina: Nicholas deputy run over by alleged robbery suspect

A Nicholas County deputy has broken bones and internal injuries after a robbery suspect allegedly ran him over with his own cruiser on Thursday.  At about 5:30 p.m., Nicholas County 911 received a complaint of a stolen vehicle from a convenience store near Calvin. About 30 minutes later, a Nicholas County deputy stopped the allegedly stolen vehicle near Persinger.

The suspect who was driving, 25-year-old Kniles Akers of Summersville, became combative with the deputy, stole his cruiser, and then used it as a weapon to run him over, said State Police Sgt. Michael Baylous in a news release.

Baylous said that, based on Akers’ behavior, officers believe he was under the influence of drugs.  After Akers stole the cruiser, another 911 call was placed at about 6:40 p.m. to report a home invasion near Persinger.

Baylous said Senior Trooper G. K. Davis and Trooper First Class D. L. Gordon responded and found Akers involved in a physical struggle with the homeowner. Akers was taken into custody, and experienced a medical emergency while in the troopers’ cruiser, Baylous said. He was taken first to Summersville Hospital for treatment and later was transferred to Charleston Area Medical Center, where he is in critical condition.

The Nicholas County deputy who was struck by his vehicle was taken to Summersville Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition with several broken bones and internal injuries, Baylous said.  Baylous said officers believe Akers alsoas involved in the burglary of a home in Craigsville just before he was stopped by the Nicholas County deputy while driving the stolen car. State Police are continuing their investigation, and may file multiple criminal charges against Akers.