ROBESON COUNTY, NC (WBTW)  – The Robeson County detective struck by a truck in a construction zone has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Detective Stephen Matthew Lassiter, 31, was released on Thursday afternoon from McLeod Medical Center in Florence, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins also commented on a Thursday morning accident when a fireman directing traffic in Fairmont was struck by a vehicle. “Motorists have to be held accountable and must do better to safeguard our first responders,” Wilkins posted on Facebook.

A man has been charged after his truck struck Lassiter while he was directing traffic. Lawrence Adair, II, of Hope Mills, NC, was driving a 2017 Ford truck at about 12:05 a.m., heading toward Parkton when he hit the detective, according to RCSO. Adair has been charged with failing to reduce speed. 

Lassiter suffered severe head trauma and other injuries and was airlifted to McLeod Medical Center in Florence.  

 Senator Danny Britt said the December death of Lumberton police officer Jason Quick prompted legislation that would make it into a felony for drivers who don’t slow down or move over.  The legislation means a possibility of 10 to 41 months in jail, for those who cause the death of an emergency responder or law enforcement officer.

“I would think that anyone with common sense is going to do the right thing and slow down when they see those lights, but some folks are just in a hurry, and they don’t pay attention,” said Britt.