RELATED: Driver lucky to be alive after deer thrown from interstate overpass slams through windshield
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – There are new details on the accident involving a deer thrown from an I-295 overpass and into the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer last week.
Virginia State Police, who confirmed Monday authorities are investigating the incident, said the person or persons involved in the prank could face felony charges.
The truck driver amazingly escaped without being seriously injured.
The driver told CBS 6 News that the incident happened around 12:30 a.m. just before exit 22A on I-295 north in Varina near Route 5. [PHOTOS: Deer slams through big rig’s windshield]
He said someone on top of the Buffin Road overpass tossed a deer, with a rope tied around its neck, off the bridge, and into the path of his truck.
“All I know is that when I came up on the bridge it wasn’t hanging there,” the driver told CBS 6 News reporter Jake Burns on Saturday. “And then I looked up and a deer come over the bridge on a rope swinging at me.”
The driver said his truck slammed into the deer carcass, which crashed through the windshield, narrowly missing him.
Additionally, he said the rope tried around the deer's neck, and hanging from the bridge, snapped during impact and ended up slapping the driver in the face. He also said he got glass fragments from the shattered windshield into his eyes.
That piece of rope was still tied to the railing on the overpass Monday.
People who live near the overpass, which tens of thousands of drivers travel under daily, told CBS 6 News' Wayne Covil on Monday that they are shocked someone would do such a thing.
"The guy was fortunate that he didn't get hurt himself so badly...," Frank Peyton said. "And this time of year, it's unthinkable."
Lena Peyton said folks cannot believe something so dangerous could happen so close to where they live.
"I'm real surprised," Brenda Powell, another neighbor said. "I would never expect for anybody to do something like that… That's sad for the deer and sad for the person."
Those neighbors hope state police make an arrest soon. Others fear that if an arrest if not made, the perpetrator could strike again.
RELATED:
