THE INDEPENDENT NEWS
PUNGO — Police accused a delivery truck driver of involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence following a crash on Indian River Road on Friday, May 19, that left a woman dead and another woman critically injured.
In a statement, Master Police Officer A.L. Perry identified the delivery truck driver as Jerode D. Johnson, 31, of Norfolk. Perry listed a number of charges Johnson faces while noting that more may be pending as the investigation continues.
Johnson is charged with involuntary manslaughter, driving under the influence first offense, maiming as a result of driving under the influence, felony hit and run resulting in a death and driving on a suspended operator’s license.
Johnson remained in city jail early this morning, according to an online record from the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office.
Johnson, heading east on the 2400 block of Indian River Road, lost control, overcorrected and crossed the line on the two-lane road and struck the SUV in the westbound lane, according to police.
An unidentified woman driving an SUV died following the two-vehicle crash, according to Virginia Beach police.
Another woman who was critically injured was a passenger in the SUV. She was taken to a local hospital, where she remained in critical condition Friday evening, according to a statement released by Master Police Officer Patrick Kane before the charges were announced.
Johnson, who suffered minor injuries, was taken into custody and to the city jail.
The matter remains under investigation by the city police fatal crash team. Master Police Officer T. Schutz is the lead investigator.
According to Kane, emergency officials got a call regarding the collision at 3:19 p.m.
Indian River Road was closed between Princess Anne and West Neck roads for several hours.
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