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Ambulance driver charged with traffic infraction in Newport News fatal crash

Posted at 10:40 AM, Sep 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-15 18:11:09-04

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The driver of an ambulance involved in a crash that left a motorcyclist dead has been issued a traffic summons for failing to yield, according to Newport News Police.

On Wednesday, September 7, a motorcycle driven by 29-year-old Christopher T. McDonald was driving northbound on Jefferson Avenue when it hit the ambulance as it was pulling out of a gas station.

After a review by the Commonwealth Attorney's office, the driver of the ambulance, 21-year-old Dyllan D. Harrison, was issued a summons charging him with failure to yield right of way while entering a public highway from private property.

Christopher McDonald's family told News 3, they don't think the failure to yield charge is serious enough.

"It's a joke. It's a joke. He took a life. Even though it might have been an accident," James and Anthony McDonald told News 3.

James is Christopher's father, and Anthony is his brother.

They say they thought Harrison was going to be charged with involuntary manslaughter.

"I still don't agree on the charge because I think it's a joke. Even though he's 21, he's still responsible for a life. He took a life," James said.

Even though they aren't satisfied with the charge, they want Harrison to know they forgive him.

"I want him to know I forgive him. I truly do. Even though it's hard but I truly do forgive him because I know my brother would,"Anthony said.

Life Care, the privately owned ambulance company said Harrison is still employed, and they are completing an internal investigation.
RELATED:

http://wtkr.com/2016/09/07/motorcyclist-dies-after-crash-with-medical-transport-unit-in-newport-news/