HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — A Yorktown woman is facing charges after an early morning crash Sunday that killed a VDOT safety service patroller.
It happened around 1:17 a.m. on I-64 eastbound in Hampton at the Big Bethel overpass. Virginia State Police say a VDOT truck had pulled over into the right shoulder to assist a disabled vehicle.
The truck was correctly positioned in the shoulder with its arrow board illuminated, and Safety Patroller Craig Boone, 52, was outside assisting with the disabled vehicle.
Shortly after, police say 27-year-old Alana F. Diomande, of Yorktown, ran off the road, crossed over the fog line and into the right shoulder sideswiping the VDOT truck and hitting Boone. Police say Boone was killed on impact.
According to VSP, Diomande was under the influence and had to be removed from the scene for blood withdrawal because she would not comply at the scene.
Diomande was taken to Hampton City Jail and charged with driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter, obstruction and curse and abuse, police say.
The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is assisting with the investigation of the crash.
Virginia State Police say this is an ongoing criminal investigation. The Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will be assisting with this case.
10 On Your Side reached out to VDOT for a statement regarding this tragic incident. They provided this statement Sunday evening:
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) expresses our sincere condolences to Mr. Boone’s family, friends and colleagues. Mr. Boone was a VDOT contractor employed by AECOM, however, his work as a Safety Service Patrol crew member working on VDOT’s behalf is a critical part of our agency’s mission to keep our roadways safe and moving for all, and we have all been deeply impacted and are mourning this tragic loss of a teammate. In honor of Mr. Boone, it is imperative to remind and emphasize the need for all motorists to drive with caution and care on our roadways, especially so when our first responders and Safety Service Patrol members are working diligently along the roadways to assist others.
Nina Ullrich – VDOT Senior Communications Specialist / Hampton Roads District
