STATEMENT OF STEPHEN K.

BENJAMIN

I want to begin by again expressing my concern for Deborah Rubens. She remains in my thoughts and prayers, as well as the thoughts and prayers of my family. [ask the citizens of Columbia to continue to pray for Ms. Rubens' recovery as well.

I have provided requested information to the investigators since the accident and will continue to do so, including providing this written statement. I have prepared the following statement regarding the facts of the accident for the City of Columbia Police Department and any other agency involved in the investigation. I have also agreed to and will meet in person with the investigating officers regarding the facts of the accident and any other questions they may have regarding the events prior to or after the accident.

My wife and I stayed at the Hilton Hotel in the Vista after the conclusion of the events of election day and election night, April 20, 2010. I was scheduled to be interviewed by WLTX on the April 21, 2010, 6:00 a.m. newscast. I awoke and prepared myself for the morning. I went to the hotel lobby at approximately 5 :30 am. I had to retrieve the keys for my wife's vehicle from the desk as there was no valet on duty and the valet parked our vehicle the day before. I spoke with the front desk clerk and she gave me the keys to my wife's vehicle. I prepared a cup of coffee and exited the rear of the hotel and walked into the parking garage. I located my wife's vehicle, got in, started the vehicle, put on the seat belt and exited the parking garage. My wife's vehicle has automatic lights. I did not adjust the light setting. As I drove the vehicle, the dashboard was illuminated and I was able to clearly see my path of travel.

I exited the parking lot and made a left tum onto Park Street. I traveled up Park Street toward Gervais and made a right on Gervais. I traveled on Gervais Street in the direction of Harden Street. As I approached the intersection a f Gervais Street and Pickens Street I was

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traveling in [he left lane and the traffic light for my lane of travel was green. As I continued

through the intersection Ms. Rubens' vehicle came out and entered mv lane of travel. Mv

, .

vehicle collided with her vehicle.

After the accident, my vehicle came to a stop in the intersection. After my vehicle came

to a stop, I moved my vehicle out of the roadway and into a parking space past the intersection. I

called 911. I spoke with people at the scene and the 911 operator. I requested that help be sent

quickly for Ms. Rubens and I answered the 911 operator's questions to the best of my ability.

After answering the 9 i 1 operator's questions, I attempted to comfort Ms. Rubens until the first

responders arrived. The first responders arrived quickly and transported Ms. Rubens to the hospital.

I remained at the scene and spoke with the City of Columbia investigating officers, a

trooper from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and many of the first responders. I remained at

the scene to answer any questions the investigating officers had for me. Once I was no longer

needed at the scene I went to Richland Memorial Hospital to be examined. I was not impaired at

the time of the accident.

My family and I will continue to remain prayerful for Ms. Rubens' recovery.

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May 3,2010

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ADDENDUM TO THE STATEMENT OF STEPHEN K. BENJAMIN

I am providing this statement as a supplement to my statement of May 3,2010, which

was previously provided to the Columbia Police Department.

I have been driving for approximately 21 years. I do not have any medical conditions

that would interfere with my driving ability.

I did not park my wife's vehicle on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at the Hilton. The valet was

used to park the vehicle.

I did not drive my wife's vehicle daily and had not driven it for several days prior to

Wednesday, April 21, 2010.

I was not fatigued at the time of the accident.

I am not sure when I moved into the left lane, but I was in the left lane prior to entering

the intersection of Gervais and Pickens and immediately prior to impact.

I have voluntarily provided the statement of May 3, 2010 and this statement of May 6,

2010.

Stephen K. Benjamin U

May 6, 2010

Second Addendum to the Statement of Stephen Benjamin

I am providing this second addendum to my statement of May 3,2010, which was previously provided to the Columbia Police Department and the statements I provided in response to questions of officers of the Columbia Police Department and a Trooper from the South Carolina Highway Patrol at the scene of the accident

Additionally, I spoke with multiple police officers, emergency medical personnel and multiple members of the Columbia Fire Department. I am providing answers to additional questions in the spirit of transparency and openness.

The morning of the accident I was not fatigued. I slept approximately 10 hours in the two nights prior to the accident. The night of the accident I went to bed shortly after 2:00 a.m.

I cannot recall all the food and beverages I consumed prior to accident, the following is my best recollection. The morning of the election my first meal was a biscuit with meat and coffee (Approximately - 7:20 a.m.). For lunch I ate baked chicken & green beans. I drank water with my lunch. (Approximately - 2:30 p.rn.). I also consumed snacks and candy at various times throughout the day. Due to the election I did not eat dinner. At the election event at the convention center, I ate fruit, vegetables and I drank water (Approximately 10:30 - 11 :30 p.rn.).

My wife and I were hungry as we were not able to eat a lot at the election event.

We went to the Uberty Tap Room at approximately 11 :45 p.m. for a meal. When we arrived the kitchen was closed. A supporter purchased me a vodka and tonic or soda for me as a celebratory drink. I cannot remember if I took a sip or two sips, but I drank a little just to be polite.

We were informed that the Sheraton kitchen would be opened to provide service.

My wife and I, our parents and several friends and supporters went to the Sheraton. At

the Sheraton, I consumed a cheeseburger, fries, non-alcoholic iced tea and one Malibu

and orange juice at approximately 12: 15 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. I also had some of the

appetizers, but did not eat much of them. The morning of the accident I had some

coffee (Approximately 5:30 a.m.).

Although there are no speed limit signs between Park Street and Pickens Street,

the speed limit signs at other points of Gervais Street are 35 mph. I do not know what

my speed was prior to the accident, but I was traveling at a constant and reasonable

speed for Gervais Street.

During my drive prior to accident I did not make nor receive any phone calls.

did not send nor check any text messages. I did check my voicemail and listened to

messages using my speaker function of my cell phone. I was not distracted at the time

of the accident.

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