29-year-old man faces charges in connection with death of former WOIO journalist Bill Safos.
The Cleveland CBS affiliate reporter died from his injuries after being struck by a vehicle on December 11, 2024 in Lakewood, Ohio.
Zachary Saliba was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide.
Lakewood police said Safos was trying to cross the street and was not in a crosswalk when he was struck by a vehicle. Safos was pronounced dead at the hospital.
A police investigation revealed video evidence showing Saliba “committing aggressive traffic offenses just before hitting Safos”.
“Anyone who had the privilege of working with Bill could tell you what a warm and genuine person he was. He cared deeply for his family, friends and community. Bill’s passion for people made him a great journalist and he was at the forefront of some of Northeast Ohio’s biggest stories. This is a difficult day for everyone who knew him. Our prayers are with his family,” said WOIO news director Brian Sinclair.
