Comments (0) | |

Tuesday, May. 06, 2008

Pedestrian killed by train near Warner Robins

A pedestrian was killed Monday morning when he was struck by a Norfolk Southern train just south of Ga. 247 and Green Street, a Houston County sheriff's investigator said.

Charles Fields, 50, of Warner Robins, was pronounced dead at the scene, sheriff's Sgt. James Williams said.

Based on statements from train personnel, the man may have intentionally walked in front of the train, sheriff's Capt. Robert Clark said.

In addition to the train engineer and conductor, motorists along Ga. 247 witnessed the 8:53 a.m. incident, including a motorist who had pulled over to watch the train, Williams said.

Witnesses told authorities they observed the man walk onto the tracks in front of the southbound train before being struck, Williams said.

Traffic was backed up for about 90 minutes after the incident, the investigator said.

Fields, who previously lived in Montezuma, was staying at the Community Outreach Service Center on Duke Avenue in Warner Robins, Williams said.

The center provides temporary shelter as well as job assistance to its homeless clients.

Authorities were intending to talk with other center residents as well as family and friends who may have had contact with Fields during the previous 24 hours, Williams said.

Anyone who may have talked with Fields during that time period is asked to contact Williams at (478) 542-2085.