Columbia Police Department (CPD) Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) officers have arrested and charged a former Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) probationary cadet in connection with an off-duty collision that critically wounded a 20-year-old man.
Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook announces that 43-year Robert Barth Garofalo is charged with Felony DUI and his housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC). A bond hearing for Garofalo is tentatively set for 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
Preliminary Information:
Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on January 15, 2023 Garofalo allegedly drove off the road near the intersection of Broad River Road and Foxglove Lane, over-corrected, crossed the double yellow line and collided with the victim’s vehicle.
Firefighters with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department had to remove both drivers from their damaged vehicles before EMS transported them to a local hospital.
The victim continues to receive medical treatment for a traumatic brain injury among other significant wounds affecting his mobility and breathing. Garofalo was also injured during the collision.
All persons charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.