Liberty County, GA – Ludowici Police Chief Frank McClelland Jr. was killed in the line of duty on Saturday night, when a fleeing motorist slammed into him during a high-speed pursuit.

Chief McClelland was out side his patrol vehicle on foot, attempting to block other traffic from crossing into the suspect’s path, when he was hit and killed, WSAV reported.

The incident began at approximately 7 p.m. on the Leroy Coffer Highway, when Georgia State troopers in Hinesville attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by 23-year-old Daniel Hill, according to WJCL.

Hill refused to pull over, and led officers on a chase through Liberty County and into Long County at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, WSAV reported.

Chief McClelland and other officers blocked traffic from crossing into Hill’s path.

But as Hill approached the chief’s location, he slammed his vehicle into him. Hill then drove several feet further before he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a motorcyclist near the Flash Food gas station.

Chief McClelland and the motorcyclist, 61-year-old Marvin Pope, both died of their injuries.

Hill subsequently slammed his vehicle into a vacuum cleaner at the service station, and was taken into custody.

He has been charged with DUI, two counts of vehicular homicide, and two counts of murder.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Those who knew Chief McClelland said he died performing a duty that he loved – protecting his community, WJCL reported.

The 15-year-veteran of the department followed in the footsteps of his father, Chief Frank McClelland Sr., who also served as Ludowici PD’s top cop.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ludowici Police Chief Frank McClelland Jr., both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Chief Frank McClelland, your life mattered.