By April Davis, WSAV-TV News (Savannah, Georgia)
The trial started Monday for a man accused of conspiring to kill a Savannah police officer. It’s a long awaited court date - nearly 2 years after the shooting that seriously injured Star Corporal Martin White. 28-year-old Ahmad Johnson is charged with aggravated assault for the shooting.
Police say December 10th 2002, Star Corporal White was shot in the neck and chest as he sat in his patrol car near the corner of 61st and Habersham streets. White says a man asked for a ride and when he refused, the man shot him. The 22-year police veteran was able to drive to a nearby convenience store, and the clerk called for help. He spent Monday morning in court with one of the men accused of trying to kill him. It took him 8 months to get back to work and nearly a year to get back to normal duties, but Star Cpl. White says even after being shot in the line of duty he couldn’t wait to go back to work.
“He’s a cop 100%, and he loves what he does,” said Star Cpl. White’s wifeTerri White as she stood outside the courtroom Monday.
56-year-old Star Cpl. Martin White had a near brush with death doing what he loves, when he was shot in December 2002. The news shocked his wife and 8 children- especially their youngest son who was 11-years-old at the time.
“That was his worst fear,” said Terri White. “He’s proud his dad is a police officer, but that was his worst fear so when that came to pass that really devastated him.”
Star Cpl. White was eligible to retire when he was shot but he refused to give up his life as a Savannah police officer. He still has a scar on his neck, kidney problems and pain in his left foot.
“Not a hundred percent, like she said, my voice is not entirely back to where it was before,” said Star Cpl. White. “Other than that, I’m feeling fine. Everything is kicking right along.”
His voice might not be loud, but white is clear on his belief he had to return to work after all the support he received from the community.
“It surprised me the way the city poured itself out to me. I couldn’t give it up.”
“So this is kind of your way of saying thank you?” asked WSAV Crime and Safety reporter April Davis
“Yes.”
Star Cpl. White says he’ll retire eventually, for now he drives the paddy wagon in precinct two and says he looks forward to a desk job.
Opening arguments start Tuesday and should shed more light on a motive for the shooting.