Drunk driving does not always result in an arrest and/or accident, but it does increase the chance of one or both happening.
According to police, a 29-year-old man who was driving drunk when he struck a 50-year-old pedestrian near Pacific Avenue and 17th Street in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The fiancée of the man who was struck said, “I heard a thud, some brakes, and a friend came back to me and let me know that Jim had been hurt.”
Court records state that when police arrived at the scene, the driver of the vehicle smelled of alcohol and was having a difficult time standing still. Additional documents show that he has two previous DUI convictions, one in 2007 and another in 2008. Along with this, he was charged with driving under the influence in 2009.
The man, a Navy petty officer, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter as a result of DUI and DUI 2nd offense. A $25,000 secured bond was issued by a judge under the condition that immediately upon his release he visits a naval facility in Portsmouth, from which he will be sent to another military facility.
The man is scheduled to appear in court on June 25.
This motor vehicle accident led to fatal injuries suffered by a pedestrian. This story shows that driving under the influence can be deadly, as it impairs the driver’s ability to make the right decisions on the roadway. In this case, had the man refrained from drinking and driving, there is a good chance that the accident would have never occurred.
Source: WTKR, “UPDATE: Navy petty officer accused of DUI, killing pedestrian at Oceanfront issued bond” Marissa Jasek, May. 09, 2014