Man Pleads Guilty to Hit and Run, Driving While Intoxicated Following 2023 Crash
NORFOLK, Va. — Daniel Gordon Neville, 64, pleaded guilty on Monday to felony hit and run resulting in damage to property and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated after he crashed into a man’s vehicle while driving drunk last year.
On Nov. 4 around 7:15 p.m., Mr. Neville was driving while intoxicated in a pickup truck on 26th Street. A Norfolk Police officer patrolling the area witnessed Mr. Neville crash his truck into another vehicle at the intersection of 27th Street and Ruffin Way and saw Mr. Neville drive away from the scene. Mr. Neville’s crash had hurt the driver of the other car, the officer called for backup to assist that victim, and the officer followed Mr. Neville’s truck down the block to pull him over. The victim was found unconscious and transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening. When the officer pulled Mr. Neville over and detained him, Mr. Neville smelled of alcohol, slurred his speech, had watery and glassy eyes, and stumbled after getting out of his truck. Mr. Neville consented to a breath test, which showed his blood alcohol concentration to be .16.
Mr. Neville entered a plea agreement on Monday to plead guilty to felony hit and run resulting in damage to property and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. In exchange for Mr. Neville’s plea, the Commonwealth agreed to dismiss additional charges against him. Mr. Neville’s agreement calls for him to be sentenced by the judge with an active sentence no longer than one year. Judge Everett A. Martin Jr. accepted Mr. Neville’s plea agreement and set the case for sentencing on Aug. 2.
“Driving drunk is dangerous, irresponsible, and preventable,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “We are fortunate that the victim was not more seriously hurt. If Mr. Neville had called a cab, used a designated driver, or walked, none of this would have happened, and he would not be facing prison.”
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney David A. Johnson is prosecuting Mr. Neville’s case on behalf of the Commonwealth, and Norfolk Police Officer Cesar Kerruish led the investigation.
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