Holly MatkinGreenville, SC – Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Sergeant Conley Jumper died in the line of duty after fighting with a suspect during a traffic stop on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident began shortly before 3 p.m. on Oct. 20, when Greenville County deputies stopped a vehicle on Interstate 85 near White Horse Road, the department said in a press release.
During the traffic stop, “at least one of the occupants” went on the fight with deputies, resulting in a physical struggle in and around the suspect’s vehicle, the GCSO said.
As the deputies fought with the combative suspect, the vehicle they stopped suddenly accelerated and crashed into a tractor trailer.
“While the exact sequence of events is unclear at this time, we do know that another deputy’s patrol car also collided with the suspect’s,” the sheriff’s office said.
Sgt. Jumper, 52, and two of his fellow deputies all suffered injuries as a result of the series of events and were rushed to a local hospital, as were two individuals from the suspect vehicle.
The sergeant “succumbed to his injuries and was ultimately pronounced deceased at the hospital,” the GCSO confirmed.
The occupants from the suspect vehicle and the two other injured deputies are all expected to recover.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal incident.
The specific charges filed against the suspects, identified as Tornell Laureano and Ray Kelly, are expected to be released on Wednesday, WHNS reported.
Laureano appeared before a judge for a separate charge of trafficking methamphetamine or cocaine on Wednesday morning and was denied bond.
Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis said that Sgt. Jumper, a 28-year veteran of the GCSO, “was a man of integrity and passion” who “embodied the true essence of a public servant.”
“The man was as dedicated to the job as they come,” Sheriff Lewis said. “His uncanny leadership will be remembered by all.”
Sgt. Jumper “was larger than life, both literally and figuratively,” the sheriff continued. “At over 6’4” he was a gentle giant who always wore a contagious smile.”
The veteran deputy was assigned to GCSO’s Interdiction team at the time of his death, and received numerous awards throughout his storied career.
“He had more certifications and instructed more classes than anyone can count, and that’s because he always strived to be the best deputy he could be,” Sheriff Lewis noted.
Sgt. Jumper was “a tireless worker and a loving friend” who “had a heart of gold,” according to the sheriff. “He will be missed dearly by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
He was promoted from the rank of master deputy to sergeant posthumously.
Sgt. Jumper leaves behind his wife, Sarah, and his daughter, Kat, Sheriff Lewis said during a press conference on Tuesday.
He is also survived by his parents, sister, in-laws, “and an entire agency who is mourning the passing of a beloved friend,” the sheriff added.
A fundraising campaign established to assist Sgt. Jumper’s family in the wake of their loss has raised over $15,500 so far.
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and all the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office send our thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters in the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office mourning the loss of fallen Sergeant Conley Jumper. (1/3) @gcsoforg pic.twitter.com/Er6OWnzI4q
— Suffolk County Sheriff's Office (@Suffolk_Sheriff) October 21, 2020
Now is a time for community. Now is a time to help those in need like the family of Sgt. Conley Jumper.https://t.co/bHQJm6pwWo pic.twitter.com/H0ayycvfsV
— Greenville County Sheriff's Office Foundation (@gcsoforg) October 21, 2020
We are deeply sorry to hear about the tragic incident that took the life of Greenville County Sheriff’s Sgt. Conley Jumper and injured other deputies while protecting their communities. Our thoughts are with the department and all who are affected. pic.twitter.com/IjPrtefbOC
— Richland County Sheriff's Dept. (@RCSD) October 20, 2020
It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of a giant in our community. Sgt. Conley Jumper was a large staple of the Wade Hampton family and Greenville community as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Jumper's wife and daughter and to @GvlCoSheriff. pic.twitter.com/qmxLFvQIBk
— Wade Hampton High (@WadeHampton_HS) October 21, 2020
Tonight, Greenville County is mourning the loss of one of their own.
If you knew Sgt. Conley Jumper and have photos or a memory to share in his honor, comment below (or DM me/email me at [email protected])
Here are some photos shared from the Sheriff’s Office: pic.twitter.com/I8th1Ur2b1
— Renée Wunderlich (@ReneeWYFFNews4) October 21, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Conley Jumper, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
