YORK COUNTY — The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office has filed charges against a 22-year-old Smithfield man in connection with a fatal crash on April 3 on Water Street in Yorktown that claimed the lives of two people, including a pregnant woman.
According to the sheriff’s office, 22-year-old Hunter Nelson Arnold has been charged with the following:
- Two counts of Felony Homicide
- One count of DUI Felony Maiming
- DUI – Felony – Third or Subsequent with Elevated BAC (Less than 5 Years)
- Reckless Failure to Maintain Control
- Reckless Driving – Speeding
Arnold is currently incarcerated in the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
According to the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, on April 3, at approximately 8:15 p.m., deputies and Fire and Life Safety personnel were dispatched to a two-car crash on Water Street in Yorktown. Two vehicles were involved — a 2016 Dodge Challenger and a 2015 Honda Fit.
The sheriff’s office said there were two male occupants in the Dodge and two female occupants in the Honda. A 21-year-old male, now identified as James Leslie Stewart of Windsor, who was a passenger in the Dodge, was killed. Arnold sustained multiple injuries and was transported.
A 6-months pregnant 34-year-old female who was a passenger in the Honda, now identified as Abigail Pedroza Navarro of Williamsburg, and her unborn child, died. The 28-year-old driver of the Honda sustained a laceration to her leg and was treated at the hospital and released, officials said.
Witnesses to the crash told sheriff’s office deputies that the Dodge was being operated at a high rate of speed and began to swerve out of control just prior to the impact with the Honda.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking incident,” The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office released in a statement.
The investigation is ongoing.
