CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- State police are investigating after a three vehicle crash left a man dead and three others seriously injured in Chesterfield County early Sunday morning.
The accident occurred at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Interstate 95 south bound near Route 10. Police say a 2003 Pontiac Grand AM was traveling south on Interstate 95 in the center lane when a 2000 Suzuki motorcycle approached from the rear at a high speed and struck the Pontiac in the rear. The motorcycle then ran off the road to the right and struck the guard rail while the Pontiac ran off the road to the left, striking the barrier wall before coming back across the travel lanes and striking a 1997 Honda motorcycle.
The operator of the Suzuki, 34-year-old Garner A. Charles of Petersburg, died at the scene. Officers say he was wearing a helmet.
The driver of the Pontiac, 21-year-old Chasity A. Pettiford, was transported along with a juvenile passenger to Chippenham Hospital. Both sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The other motorcyclist, 31-year-old Tyrone M. Cooper of Petersburg, was transported to VCU Medical Center with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation and officials say that speed is being considered a factor in the accident.
Both motorcyclists involved in this crash were wearing helmets.
A Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle accident report shows 47 people have been killed in 1245 crashes involving motorcycles this year.
