Reckless Driving Charge Follows Pedestrian Death In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An Alexandria grand jury indicted a driver on a misdemeanor reckless driving charge and failure to yield to a pedestrian after a pedestrian's death in November 2019.

The charges against Kenneth Whitcomb, 62, of Alexandria, are related to the death of John Charles Thompson, 75, of Fairfax County. Whitcomb hit Thompson with his vehicle on Nov. 16 as the pedestrian was crossing Duke Street in the 3100 block. Police had reported the pedestrian used a crosswalk. Thompson was taken to the hospital and died of his injuries.

The reckless driving charge could lead to a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine, as well as a driver's license suspension up to six months. The failure to yield to a pedestrian offense could lead to a fine up to $500.

Alexandria's Commonwealth's Attorney Bryan Porter explained the charges in a statement: "Given Virginia law, Reckless Driving is the most serious charge that could be lodged in this matter. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, his driver’s license was valid, and he was not under the influence of intoxicants. Therefore, the appropriate charge is reckless driving."