CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. – A dump truck driver has been charged after police say he was texting before a fatal crash in Chesterfield last month.
The crash occurred on February 13 in the 17200 block of Genito Road.
“Police said a 1999 Ford F-Series dump truck was traveling on Genito Road when it went partially off the road. The driver overcorrected, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a 2009 Honda Accord,” said a Chesterfield Police spokesperson.
The driver of the Honda, Karen E. Giles, 56, of Amelia, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A long time paramedic for the Amelia Emergency Squad, friends of GIles say the whole community is at a loss.
"It's a tragedy on both parts. It's a tragedy for the gentleman who has to live with the fact that due to what he has done he has cost someone their life," said Sterling Price, president of the EMT squad Giles worked under.
The driver of the dump truck, Samuel M. Allebaugh II, 57, was not injured.
“The investigation indicates Allebaugh was texting at the time of the crash,” said the spokesperson.
Allebaugh turned himself in Thursday after police obtained a warrant for his arrest. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in relation to the crash.
After Allebaugh's court hearing, CBS 6 spoke with a woman who said she was Allebaugh's girlfriend.
She said that Allebaugh feels very guilty about what happened and doesn't deny the charges against him.
He is currently being held at the Chesterfield County Jail without bond.
