Summerville Police Department, South Carolina
End of Watch Tuesday, November 19, 2002
Add to My HeroesWilliam Boland Bell
Patrolman William Bell and Deputy Marion Wright, of the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department, were struck and killed on US 17A, at approximately 1800 hours, by a driver who was under the influence of prescription seizure medication. The man's license had been previously revoked due to his condition and medication.
Deputy Wright, who had just finished his shift and was en route home, stopped to assist a disabled motorist. Patrolman Bell stopped to assist Deputy Wright. As the two officers changed the flat tire on the car, the oncoming driver left the roadway, hitting both patrol cars, the disabled vehicle, and both officers, killing them both instantly.
A witness to the incident apprehended the 28-year-old suspect and held him until other officers arrived. The suspect was charged with felony driving under the influence. His driving record revealed he was at fault in two recent accidents. He was convicted of two counts of reckless homicide and sentenced to two 10-year terms to run consecutively, but is eligible for parole after only 4 years. Since 2007 he has been denied parole each year. He was released in March of 2014.
The section of highway where the incident took place was renamed William Boland Bell and Marion Eugene Wright Highway.
Patrolman Bell was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served in law enforcement for 2.5 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, five step-children, and three grandsons. His son-in-law is a Summerville police officer.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 2 years, 6 months
- Badge L-48
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Narcotics involved
- Offender Released in 2014
Most Recent Reflection
View all 244 ReflectionsRest in peace Patrolman Bell.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 29, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024