Richmond County authorities have arrested the man accused in the wrong-way collision on Riverwatch Parkway in May that critically injured Georgia State Patrol Trooper Zach Walker.
The crash occurred when 25-year-old William Hawkins, driving a Toyota 4Runner, collided head-on with Walker’s patrol car around 11:09 p.m. on May 31. The impact left both men with serious injuries, requiring immediate medical attention.
Hawkins was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries, while Trooper Walker was extricated from his vehicle and rushed to Wellstar MCG Health. The trooper sustained a concussion, a broken elbow, and multiple fractures in his right leg, ankle, and foot. Despite the severity of the injuries, Walker is expected to recover after undergoing multiple surgeries and beginning an extensive rehabilitation process.
Hawkins was arrested last week on charges of serious injury by vehicle, and was booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center before being released on bond.
The crash, which shocked the local community, was caught on video showing Hawkins driving the wrong way down the parkway. A nurse from a local hospital was seen attending to both Walker and Hawkins after the collision. At the time of the crash, Walker was preparing for a promotion and had been on what was supposed to be his final shift before transferring. He had dedicated much of his career to combating drunk driving.
In the wake of the crash, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Walker and his family during his recovery. The campaign, organized by a friend of the family, raised over $33,000 to help cover medical expenses, daily living costs, and to provide for Walker’s wife, Emilie, and their three young children.
Trooper Walker has undergone multiple surgeries, including one to stabilize his leg and another to address complications. He is expected to need further surgery on his foot and ankle, and will be undergoing physical therapy in the coming months.
Donations have poured in from the community, reflecting the widespread support for Walker and his family as they navigate the difficult road ahead.
