Man Charged in Death of Cleveland Reporter Bill Safos

A 29-year-old man is facing charges in connection to the death of former WOIO reporter Bill Safos.

The reporter for the Cleveland CBS affiliate died from his injuries after being hit by a vehicle on December 11, 2024 in Lakewood, Ohio.

Zachary Saliba has been charged with felony aggravated vehicular homicide.

Lakewood police said Safos was attempting 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 prior to hitting Safos.”

“Anyone who had the privilege to work with Bill could tell you what a warm and genuine person he was. He cared deeply for his family, his friends, and his community. Bill’s passion for people made him a great reporter and he was right in front on some of the biggest stories in Northeast Ohio. This is a difficult day for everyone who knew him. Our prayers are with his family,” said WOIO news director Brian Sinclair.

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