Trooper Mark Hunter Coates, South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina

Trooper Mark Hunter Coates

South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina

End of Watch Friday, November 20, 1992

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Mark 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 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. He was denied parole in 2022 and died in prison in 2024.

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 stepdaughters, parents, sister, and brother.

The Mark H. Coates Highway is a one-mile portion of Interstate 95 located in Jasper County near Hardeeville and extends one-half mile on both sides of mile marker 7.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 5 years
Badge 709
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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Trooper Coates, i'm sorry for how you were taken out that night in 1992, as you did not deserve it, since it was uncalled for. The man who took your life was nothing but a waste of air who tried to excuse his actions for what he did, knowing that he had no reason to take your life. But rest assured, he died about a year ago in prison, meaning that a sense of peace and justice has been brought with your case meaning that your family can have peace knowing that awful scumbag is gone too. The video of your traffic stop is one of the few that taught me time and time again that not all traffic stops are safe and quick, and i'm not even an officer myself to know that. But as of now, you're still protecting and serving in the afterlife as you did on your time on earth. Also, i can tell you really were a good man because you didn't just serve the people of south carolina, but in the marines as well, so you got my respect for that, along with the fact you fought till the end, proving how strong of a man you were. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing your service as a trooper and marine is well appreciated, and that the person who took your life is being punished for what he did to you. Rest easy Mr. Coates

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

March 24, 2025