BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–A Goose Creek woman charged with felony DUI after authorities say she hit a lowcountry police officer with her car is out of jail.
A judge set Wendy Burnett’s bond at $25,000.
The 24-year-old also happens to be a North Charleston High School teacher.
“This completely senseless and avoidable act has changed his life and all those near and dear to him for the foreseeable future and possibly forever,” stated Matt Woodall, vice president of Tri-County Fraternal Order of Police #3.
According to authorities, a South Carolina Highway Patrol officer arrested Burnett early Saturday morning after striking a North Charleston police officer’s car, which then struck him and resulted in his serious injuries. He was transported to MUSC.
Troopers say the officer had just conducted a traffic stop on I-26 and got out of his vehicle to go talk to the driver of a Dodge van for a traffic violation.
“As a result of his injuries, he has to have major surgery,” stated Woodall, who is also a friend of the injured officer. “Because of her poor judgment, he also missed his daughter’s 5th birthday party.”
The injured officer has been identified as 32-year-old Andrew Turner. He’s been with the North Charleston Police Department for eight years.
Woodall says his friend is very fortunate to be alive.
“Impaired driving could have very easily taken my friend from his family. It’s selfish, irresponsible and completely unacceptable,” stressed Woodall.
According to the Charleston County School District, Burnett is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
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