WILLIAMSBURG — Colonial Williamsburg Foundation President and CEO Cliff Fleet will be charged with Reckless Driving in an October incident in which a 21-year-old William & Mary student walking on Richmond Road was struck and left with life-threatening injuries.
“After a thorough review of all of the facts and circumstances of the traffic accident that occurred on Richmond Road near the College of William and Mary on October 26, 2023, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has requested the Virginia State Police to have issued a summons charging Mr. Fleet with Reckless Driving,” Williamsburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Nate Green said in an email to WYDaily.
According to the Code of Virginia, “Irrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person shall be guilty of reckless driving.”
Reckless driving is a class 1 misdemeanor, and it carries a possible jail time of up to 12 months and up to $2,500 in fines, however, those charges may be lowered based on the circumstances of the case.
A preliminary investigation in October by the Virginia State Police (VSP), asked to assist at the request of the city, revealed that Fleet was operating a 2023 Audi SUV eastbound on Richmond Road when he struck the student. Fleet was not injured in the crash. The Virginia State Police Reconstruction Team along with the Commonwealth Attorney, were notified and arrived at the scene to assist in the investigation.
“Our prayers and concerns are for the health and safety of the individual involved in a car accident with President Fleet on Richmond Road earlier this morning. Our thoughts are also with their family at this very difficult time,” the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation said in an official statement at the time. “President Fleet and the Foundation are cooperating fully with law enforcement conducting the investigation and defer further comment on the situation to the Virginia State Police.”