SALUDA – A Polk County Deputy was transported to the hospital and two people were charged with various offenses following a crash on I-26 near Saluda on Thursday afternoon.

The deputy was not seriously injured.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a vehicle made an erratic move traveling west on I-26 on Thursday afternoon, March 9. Deputy Brian Atkins attempted to avoid a collision with the vehicle that suddenly stopped halfway in the lane of travel and halfway on the shoulder of the interstate, Capt. Lowell Griffin said.

A tractor-trailer following Atkins was unable to stop before colliding with the rear of Atkins’ vehicle.

Atkins was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for precautionary measures but was released with no major injuries. The patrol vehicle did suffer significant damage, according to Griffin.

The people driving the vehicle ahead of Atkins were charged with numerous counts of identity theft, possession with intent to sell and deliver a schedule I controlled substance and a charge of possession of firearm by a felon, according to the sheriff’s office. The names of the people charged were not available as of press time.

Griffin said other officers were in the area at the time of the wreck and quickly assisted Atkins and detained the occupants of the erratic vehicle.

Both subjects arrested were still in jail pending further investigation with no bond as of Friday, March 10.