On Jan. 6 at 3:53 p.m., officers responded to a four-vehicle crash in the intersection of Merrimac Tail and Penniman Road. The preliminary investigation revealed that Carrie Ann Yates, 41-year-old female of Quinton, had been at the Speedway convenience Store on 2nd Street in Williamsburg attempting to buy alcohol. The clerk denied the sale because Yates appeared to be intoxicated. As a result, Yates assaulted the clerk. Yates then left the store in a 2001 BMW driving east on Merrimac Trail at a high rate of speed.
As Yates approached the intersection at Penniman Road, she ran a stop light and struck a 1999 Toyota pickup truck. The force of that collision forced the truck into the westbound lanes of Merrimac Trail striking two more vehicles, a 2019 Honda Civic and a 2010 Honda Pilot.
The driver of the Toyota, a 53-year-old male of Williamsburg, was airlifted to Riverside Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. He was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt.
The driver of the Honda Civic, a 22-year-old female of York County, had no visible injuries, but the vehicle had significant damage.
The driver of the Honda Pilot, a 53-year-old female of James City County, also had no visible injuries, but the vehicle had significant damage.
Yates was transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center with non-serious injuries. She was treated and released. She was charged with DUI and released on a summons.
At this time, Merrimac Trail remains closed to through traffic at Penniman Road.
This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.
Media contact:
Stephanie Williams, Police Spokesperson
757-592-5618; Stephanie.williams@jamescitycountyva.gov