Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Richmond now say the individual believed to be the driver of the vehicle that collided with a Richmond Police Department SUV at the intersection of Bells Road and Castlewood Road on April 7th, 18-year old Jeremiah Ruffin, has succumbed to his injuries sustained in the crash. A 19 year old woman died the evening of the incident.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to both families affected by this tragedy,” said Chief Gerald Smith.
Richmond Police say the unit was responding to an alleged burglary on Clarkson Road.
Police say the woman, Tracey Williams, 19, was ejected from the vehicle. The two officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and at the time of the crash, Ruffin, who was in the car with the woman, was in critical condition. The accident occurred around 10:42 pm.
Police are looking into exactly what lead to the crash. This was the second fatal crash involving a local police officer in eight days.
The officers injured in the crash were identified as Richard Johnson and Dquan Walker. They both suffered head injuries, though one of the officers has what is described as a traumatic brain injury and has a longer road to recovery.
Chief Gerald Smith says that the officers were responding to a Code 1 Burglary, which meant that they were allowed to use their lights and siren, though it's not clear if they actually had them deployed.
