Man Indicted On Manslaughter Charges In Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, VA—A grand jury has indicted a man on charges related to a fatal dirt bike crash in Stafford a little more than three months ago, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Franklin Delano Hess, 25, of Fredericksburg, is wanted on charges of one count of aggravated involuntary manslaughter, one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of driving with a revoked license.

Shortly before 9 p.m. on Aug. 4, police responded to the area of Inez Way and Andrew Chapel road for a reported dirt bike crash. They found that the victim, 26, stopped his bike on Andrew Chapel Road before trying to turn onto Inez Way. A second dirt bike driving by Hess failed to brake and crashed into the victim.

Both people were thrown from their dirt bikes, and neither was wearing protective gear. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. Hess was taken to a nearby hospital, treated and released.

Police say the accident was alcohol-related. Anyone with information about Hess's whereabouts is urged to call authorities at 540-658-4400.

Image via SCSO