NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – A South Carolina teacher is accused of driving under the influence after police say she crashed into a patrol car, injuring a police officer.
Citing court records, news outlets report 24-year-old Wendy Ellen Burnett was charged with felony DUI following the Saturday morning crash.
South Carolina Highway Patrol spokesman Cpl. Judd Jones says Burnett was driving on Interstate 26 when she crashed into 32-year-old North Charleston police officer Andrew Turner’s vehicle, which struck Turner, who was making a traffic stop.
Tri-County Fraternal Order of Police President John Blackmon said Turner was hospitalized with serious injuries. WCBD reported he was released Monday morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Officer Turner and his family as he begins the process of recovery and healing. The department will assist Officer Turner and his family during this most difficult time and look forward to him returning to work serving and protecting the citizens of North Charleston.” — North Charleston Police Department
Charleston County School District spokesman Andy Pruitt says Burnett has been placed on administrative leave from her job as a geometry teacher at North Charleston High School.
It’s unclear whether she has an attorney.
NCPD officials says Turner has been employed with the department for 8 years.
The incident is being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
