Missing Officer in S.C.

Please keep Constable Bailey in your thoughts...





LADSON, S.C. - Dozens of police officers and bloodhounds searched for a missing constable Tuesday after his empty cruiser was found in flames several miles from where he was last seen at a traffic stop, authorities said.

Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon said authorities had identified a "person of interest" who was being sought on an unrelated weapons charge.

But he said officials don't know what happened to Robert Lee Bailey, a 66-year-old constable who works for the Lincolnville Police Department.

"It certainly does not look good. But we are hopeful. We have no explanation for what occurred," Cannon said. He said the shooting was not believed to be related to the traffic stop.

Bailey was last seen when he pulled a vehicle over about 10:30 p.m. Monday in Lincolnville. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots a few minutes later, and Bailey's cap, two guns, bullet casings and blood were found in a yard.

About an hour later, a Highway Patrol officer spotted Bailey's burning car in the parking lot of a church off Interstate 26.

Cannon said officials wanted to speak to a 24-year-old man wanted on a federal weapons charge. Walter Fayall, of St. Stephens, was being sought by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. No charges had been filed against him in the missing officer case.

Authorities also issued an alert for a black Chevrolet Caprice. Along highways near Lincolnville, a small town about 20 miles west of Charleston, electronic signs listed a fugitive alert.

Gary Tucker, data analyst for Faith Assembly of God Church, saw the charred remains of the cruiser early Tuesday. "I just noticed it was a police car and it was torched. And the back window was smashed out," he said.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division sent agents to help in the investigation, spokeswoman Kathryn Richardson said.

State Constable Robert Lee Bailey
South Carolina State Constable
South Carolina
End of Watch: Monday, May 14, 2007

Biographical Info
Age: 67
Tour of Duty: 43 years
Badge Number: 605

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, May 14, 2007
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Five suspects in custody

Constable Robert Bailey was shot and killed just after conducting a vehicle stop.

Constable Bailey had just cleared a traffic stop in Lincolnville and was on Greenwood street where two suspects lived. Gunfire was then heard by witnesses and radio contact with the constable was lost. When officers arrived at the scene, Constable Bailey was missing. His constable's cap, two pistols, several shell casings, and a large pool of his blood were found in the street, and also in the yard of a nearby home. His cruiser was later found burning about five miles away.

A five day search for Constable Bailey ended when his body was discovered in a shallow grave about 50 miles from where he was last seen.

Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder.

Constable Bailey had served as a volunteer South Carolina State Constable for 5 years and assisted the 1-person Lincolnville Police Department with patrol duties. He had previously served with the Dorchester County Sheriff's Department for 38 years. He is survived by three children and three grand-children.

Agency Contact Information
South Carolina State Constable
c/o SC SLED
PO Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221

Phone: (803) 737-9000

Do they have the Death Pent in SC? Because I know 5 sorry A$$ MFs that need it! Thats said news, I'm a Deputy here in Harris County TX (Houston) and its always a death in the family no matter where it happens. Will be praying for his family and friends!

HE was a nice man and a hard work .OUR prrayers are with he family.
He worked in the town near my sister and we saw him all the time on the road.