COLUMBIA, S.C. — William Bernard Wright, 31, of Gaffney, was charged in federal court on a single count indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On June 2, 2019, SC Highway Patrol Trooper Paul Wise was on routine patrol in York County when he observed Wright operating a vehicle without a seatbelt. When Trooper Wise attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Wright fled and failed to stop for blue lights.
When Wright reached a dead end, he exited the vehicle, drew a firearm, and discharged at least 12 rounds. Trooper Wise was struck in his ballistic vest in the chest area and sustained other injuries to the right side of his neck. Trooper Wise then exited his vehicle and returned fire, striking Wright. Trooper Wise ordered Wright to the ground and called for backup.
During the incident, Wright allegedly was in possession of a FN Herstal Five-Seven semi-automatic piston and various rounds of 5.7 x 28mm ammunition. At the time of the possession, federal law prohibited Wright from possessing a firearm or ammunition based upon at least one federal conviction.
Wright faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the federal indictment. If the court determines enhanced penalties apply based on the Wright’s prior criminal record, Wright may face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of life, a fine of $250,000, and 5 years supervised release. The Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office has also indicted Wright on state charges related to this incident.
