EDGEFIELD COUNTY, South Carolina -- The Saluda County Sheriff's Office tragically lost a deputy in the line the of duty Thursday night in an accident involving a police cruiser near Edgefield County.
Corp. Dale Hallman was involved in a single-vehicle collision when he was responding to an incident scene as a member of the Bloodhound Tracking Team, according to the release provided by Saluda County Sheriff John C. Perry.
The incident began with the Saluda County Uniform Road Patrol getting involved in a car chase with a suspect into Edgefield County, when the suspect suddenly got out of his vehicle and started running with a child and a rifle, the release states.
The suspect did released the child, whom deputies recovered safely, but the suspect continued to flee, which prompted deputies to call in the Bloodhound Tracking Team, police reported.
Hallman, who was driving his police vehicle, was involved in a single-vehicle accident and EMS rushed to the scene, transporting Hallman to Self-Memorial Hospital, where he eventually died from injuries he sustained in the crash, according to the report.
Hallman served as a law enforcement officer for five years with the Saluda County Sheriff's Office. In addition, he served the citizens of Saluda County as a Lieutenant in the County Fire Servce.
In 2016, Hallman was also awarded the Medal of Valor for his outstanding service to Saluda County.
Hallman leaves behind his wife, unborn child and two step-sons, according to the report.
"As Sheriff, I would like to ask everyone to please lift up the Hallman family, along with the Saluda County Sheriff's Office, with your prayers at this time," said Saluda County Sheriff John C. Perry in a news release.
Tripp Girardeau is the crime and courts reporter with the Aiken Standard. Follow him on Twitter at @trippgirardeau.
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