HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - The man accused of hitting and killing a woman out on her morning run was granted a $25,000 secured bond during a Tuesday morning hearing. Dr. Michael J. Carlson, 47, appeared in court via video feed.
Under the judge's order, Carlson is not allowed to drink alcohol and must wear a SCRAM bracelet. The bracelet lets the court know if a person was drinking alcohol.
Carlson is charged with involuntary manslaughter and D.U.I. after investigators said he hit and killed Meg Menzies, 34, while she ran along E. Patrick Henry Rd. Monday morning.
During the hearing, Carlson's lawyers argued the doctor was not a flight risk due to his strong community ties and current health situation.
Carlson was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2006 and currently undergoes chemotherapy, according to his lawyers. He has custody of his three children and cares for his fiance's two children.
Carlson's lawyer argued the doctor had no history of substance abuse, nor prior criminal history. He said Carlson stopped at the accident scene, called 911 and attempted to help Menzies.
Meg Menzies, 34, of Ashland.
Meg Menzies was a mother of three and married to Ashland Police Department Sergeant Scott Menzies.
"Meg has equally been a part of our law enforcement family for nearly a decade and her presence in our midst, and especially that of her family, will be sorely missed," Ashland Police Chief Doug Goodman wrote in a statement. "With her support, Sergeant Menzies has been a steadfast catalyst for improving safety in our community. Whether working late on DUI enforcement patrols or coming in on his day off to lead a public education program focusing on the dangers of drunk driving, Sgt. Menzies always had her unyielding support. To lose his wife in this manner is simply unfathomable."
Nearly 2,000 people have responded to a Facebook invitation to run Saturday in honor of Meg.
“As an avid runner, member of the Richmond Road Runners Club, and Boston marathoner, she was a member of the running family nationwide. In her honor, our hope is to raise awareness of drunk driving, texting and driving, and overall safety of runners and cyclists everywhere,” a message on the Meg’s Miles Facebook page read.
The page encouraged runners to tweet, Instagram and post running photos using the hashtag #megsmiles.
Carlson is employed by Bon Secours hospital system at the Theresa Thomas Medical Center in Ashland as an internist, a Bon Secours spokeswoman confirmed.
He is due back in court April 2.
