South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina
End of Watch Friday, November 20, 1992
Add to My HeroesMark Hunter Coates
Corporal Mark Coates was shot and killed after stopping a car for weaving in traffic on I-95 near the Georgia border.
During the traffic stop the subject began to struggle with Corporal Coates and they both fell to the ground. The man fired a .22 caliber handgun into Corporal Coates' chest, but the round was stopped by his vest.
Corporal Coates was able to force the man off of him and return fire, striking the him five times in the chest with his .357 caliber revolver. As he retreated for cover and to radio for backup, the man fired another shot. The round struck Trooper Coates in the left armpit and traveled into his heart.
The man survived the incident and was sentenced to life in prison.
Corporal Coates was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the South Carolina Highway patrol for five years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, two step-daughters, parents, sister and brother.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 709
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 372 ReflectionsTo the Coates family. Mark’s story is one that affected me deeply throughout my 30 year law
enforcement career. I finally had the opportunity to stop and pay my respects in person on I-95.
My father was a cop for 29 years, I was for 30 years, and I now have two nephews in LE.
Your family is forever in my thoughts and prayers.
There is no more nobler profession !
May God continue to Bless your family.
Det. Sgt. John “Buck” Savage
Syracuse NY PD
February 29, 2020
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