Georgia: Police Officer Struck Back in March Dies of His Injuries

Former co-workers from Hinesville to Savannah are remembering a Georgia Ports officer struck by a drunk driver months ago.

Corporal William Solomon died overnight after being hit by a truck while on duty in March. Solomon may not have been employed at the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office anymore when he was injured in March, but his death now still touches this department.

The news of his passing overnight touches those who knew him and considered family even after his eight years as a deputy.

“His loss in this community alone will be a loss to all of us,” said Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes. "He served his community well. He stood up for what he thought was right. He always did the right thing. I never once questioned anything that man did."

He left the Sheriff's Office in 2013 to join the Georgia Port Authority. Sheriff Sikes says he didn't want to let him go.

“I personally tried to talk him out of it because he was such a great deputy. But he felt like it was an opportunity to better his family,” said Sheriff Sikes.

In March, a truck hit Solomon while he directed traffic at the port. Investigators charged that driver with DUI and more. Sheriff Sikes says William's death serves as another reminder of the dangers officers everywhere face.

“Watch the news anytime and you get reminded daily. But it hits closer to home when it touches one of your own,” said Sheriff Sikes.

Prosecutors at the Chatham County District Attorney's office tell us the case against that driver, Robert Lee Turner, remains under investigation.