Trooper hits, kills pedestrian in Salemburg

Salemburg, N.C. — A North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper hit and killed a pedestrian in Sampson County Tuesday evening, authorities said.

Trooper Emory T. Brown was northbound on N.C. Highway 242, just north of Autryville Road in Salemburg, at about 7 p.m. when his patrol vehicle struck a pedestrian crossing the highway, authorities said.

The pedestrian was identified as Ottis Parker, 80, of Clinton.

Neighbors and family members say Parker was crossing the street to meet his brother for the weekly auction they attended together every Tuesday.

"Everybody at the scene was upset. A lot of people were around because the auction goes on every Tuesday night," said neighbor Ginger Conoway. "That's where he was going. He comes every Tuesday night."

The crash happened right in front of Conoway's house. She said it sounded like a gunshot.

The case remains under investigation and Brown was placed on administrative duty, as is standard procedure.

Brown is a 9-year veteran of the Highway Patrol and is assigned to the Motor Carrier Enforcement Section, Troop B, District 9 in Fayetteville.

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Latest Comments

"He might be a great guy. That doesn’t matter at this point. What matters is if he was a) speeding, and b) going too fast for conditions (i.e. cars parked along the road for the auction). If so he needs to be charged just as any other person would be. Lightfoot3"

Do not hold your breath waiting for that to happen. Cops are above the law. In many cases they are far worse then the people they are arresting.

piene2
November 16, 2012 4:33 p.m.

“I am personally praying for all those involved” – brookerogers07

You can say all the prayers, incantations, and spells you want, but that won’t change what’s happened.

“know this trooper and he is a stand up guy.” - brookerogers07

He might be a great guy. That doesn’t matter at this point. What matters is if he was a) speeding, and b) going too fast for conditions (i.e. cars parked along the road for the auction). If so he needs to be charged just as any other person would be.

Lightfoot3
November 16, 2012 9:04 a.m.

“The trooper was not going to a call so there was no need for lights and sirens.” - just-wondering

But was he breaking the laws of the state, and common sense, by speeding through this area? If so, he should be charged, arrested, and tried, just as any other person would be.

“So I guess no one on this board has ever sped over the speed limit.” – ASU

And if they strike and kill someone while doing so, they are usually charged with a crime.

“Yes people especially older people can be killed by a vehicle at 20-25 mph.” – ASU

Not just older people, but anyone can. But the chance of death is higher if the speed of the vehicle is higher. And the faster a vehicle is going, the less time the driver has for reaction. Bottom line ... was the cop speeding?

Lightfoot3
November 16, 2012 9:00 a.m.

I have to comment as a concerned Salemburg citizen. First of all, anyone that rides through Salemburg on Hwy 242 on Tuesday nights knows the amount of vehicles parked along the streets near the auction. Now, any seasoned driver with an ounce of common sense would know to go very slow, even under the speed limit, when conditions such as this present themselves. Be prepared for pedestrians darting out into the street. This was not an inexperienced driver that took the life of an 80 year old man. I live on Hwy 242 in the town of Salemburg and see and hear drivers speeding through town ALL OF THE TIME! It concerns me because I have a 80 year old parent who also lives on Hwy 242 in the TOWN of Salemburg. Drivers need to SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!

happygirl0624
November 15, 2012 7:16 p.m.

".so chance are that we ( John Q Citizen ) will never have these facts. crustyhalo"

Of course not. Anything damaging to the cop will be quickly destroyed. The solution is total video and audio recording equipment monitoring every movement of every cop and civilian review boards to keep the cops in line.

piene2
November 15, 2012 6:15 p.m.