An investigation into law enforcement’s actions during last week’s drowning was concluded Tuesday, not only clearing four county deputies of wrongdoing but commending their efforts.

In a letter to Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams, First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe said he found no criminal actions on the parts of four county officers who participated in a foot chase last Monday that ended with an Orangeburg man drowning.

“I have reviewed all evidence surrounding the June 23, 2008 drowning of Mr. Derrick L. Edwards, including all reports, statements and physical evidence,” Pascoe wrote. “I specifically looked into the conduct and actions of Mr. Edwards as well as Lt. Ronda Bamberg, Deputy Benjamin Kuck, Sgt. Bobby Jones and Deputy Kendra Williams. It is my legal opinion that the deputies with the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office were in no way criminally negligent.”

The investigation was requested by Williams himself, who said immediately after the incident that asking the solicitor’s office to look into the matter would be the fair step to take for “the officers and to this family.”

“It is always in the public interest and perception to have an independent agency to view the facts in this,” Williams said Tuesday. “It’s in the best interest of the public’s trust and also in light of this victim’s family.”

Pascoe’s letter states, “All deputies acted appropriately under the circumstances, and the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office considers this matter closed.”

The events of June 23 began after a Five Chop Road business reported a blue 2001 Dodge Durango stolen along with some tools.

At about 1 p.m. that same day, a concerned citizen called deputies to report a suspicious man at a Tyler Road residence attempting to sell a blue Dodge Durango. The suspicious man said “the vehicle was hot,” according to the incident report.

Deputies arrived at the Tyler Road home a few minutes later to find a male sitting inside the blue truck.

In spite of a command not to move, the subject exited the Dodge, fleeing down Tyler Road and eventually onto Rivelon Road. From there, the chase crossed over Cordova Road and into a wooded area before breaking open on the property of C&R Auto Salvage.

The man ran toward the back of the property where there are several lengthy drainage ditches.

On June 23, those ditches were filled with water. The man leaped into one of the ditches, eventually drowning when officers and several salvage yard employees who dove in could not find him.

“It is clear from the facts that Mr. Edwards’ tragic death was the result of his own actions,”

Pascoe’s letter states. “During a lawful police pursuit, Edwards tried to cross over a third drainage ditch containing water over twelve feet deep in an attempt to elude officers.”

Pascoe’s letter states and the solicitor reiterated late Tuesday during a telephone interview that the conduct of Bamberg and Kuck “should be commended.”

“They really should, they risked their lives,” Pascoe said.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5516.

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