News Summary
Virginia has seen a troubling rise in DUI incidents, resulting in several arrests in Stafford County. Notable cases include drivers found asleep at the wheel, hit-and-run accidents, and pedestrian collisions. Authorities emphasize the dangers and legal repercussions of impaired driving. The incidents point to an urgent need for public awareness and responsible alcohol consumption.
Virginia experienced a series of incidents involving driving under the influence (DUI) that have led to multiple arrests in recent weeks. The incidents range from a man found slumped over in his vehicle to a driver crashing into residential property, all highlighting the risks and legal consequences associated with impaired driving.
Multiple Arrests for DUI in Stafford County
On September 25, 2023, a 56-year-old man named Thomas Wright was arrested for DUI while found intoxicated and asleep behind the wheel of his SUV. Deputy I.E. Baldi observed Wright’s SUV stopped at a red light on Cardinal Forest Drive and noted that it failed to move when the light turned green. Upon investigation, Wright was discovered slumped over the steering wheel with his foot on the brake, preventing the vehicle from rolling into traffic. An empty liquor bottle was found inside the vehicle, and Wright exhibited clear signs of intoxication.
Wright has a history of DUI offenses, having a previous conviction in 2023 that resulted in the suspension of his driver’s license. Consequently, he was charged with multiple offenses including:
- Driving under the influence (second offense within five years)
- Second-offense refusal
- Driving after forfeiture of his license
- Stopping on a highway
Wright was booked at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Hit-and-Run Incident Involving a DUI Driver
Another incident occurred earlier on September 9, 2023, when a 35-year-old man named Alexandros Brownlee crashed his truck into a residence in Stafford County around 11:29 p.m. on Huff Drive. The crash involved hitting a parked vehicle and a home. Authorities noted that Brownlee attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by a sheriff’s deputy. The damage included a destroyed light post and an uprooted tree.
Brownlee showed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking prior to the crash. He claimed he had only consumed two beers with dinner but could not recall his whereabouts preceding the accident. Brownlee faces several charges, including:
- Driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content above .2
- Felony hit-and-run of attended property
- Felony destruction of property
- Having a fictitious license plate
Similar to Wright, Brownlee is currently being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Pedestrian Struck by DUI Driver
In an alarming event on the same day as Brownlee’s crash, a pedestrian was struck by a DUI driver at approximately 12:55 a.m. on Garrisonville Road. Deputies M.L. Jacobeen and S.M. Kotter discovered a male pedestrian lying in the roadway with a vehicle nearby that displayed damage consistent with a collision. The victim was promptly transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
The driver, identified as 23-year-old Olivia Correa, initially claimed that someone else was operating the vehicle but later confessed to driving while impaired. She expressed remorse for being intoxicated and exhibited several signs of intoxication. Correa was charged with:
- Driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content between .15 and .2
- Maiming while driving under the influence
Correa was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $5,000 secured bond.
Background Context
The incidents reported highlight the critical issue of impaired driving and the severe consequences that can arise from it. DUI laws are stringent in Virginia, aimed at reducing accidents and protecting public safety. Each of the individuals arrested in these cases is now facing serious charges that can lead to substantial legal penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to make safe choices when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving to prevent further incidents like these.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Stafford Sheriff: Sleeping Driver’s Second DUI
- Wavy: Woman Channels Mary Poppins to Avoid DUI Charges
- Fox5DC: Driver Uproots Tree, Crashes Truck into Home Charged with DUI
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Driving Under the Influence
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
