Two officers struck, killed while helping motorist change tire

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. -- A truck rammed into a police cruiser, killing two officers who had stopped to help a woman change a tire.

The truck's driver, 28-year-old Brian Nelson, tried to run off but was caught and charged with felony driving under the influence, Dorchester County Sheriff Ray Nash said. He may also face additional charges, Nash said.

The accident occurred after one of the officers, an off-duty Berkeley County deputy, spotted the woman as he was driving home Tuesday. He pulled over to help her, and the Summerville officer stopped soon afterward.

Dorchester County Sheriff Ray Nash said their cars were off the roadway when the pickup truck struck the Summerville cruiser.

The officers' names were not immediately released.

Summerville is about 20 miles west of Charleston.