CHESAPEAKE, Va. – A woman died in a two-car crash on I-664 in the Bowers Hill area of Chesapeake. Now, the man behind the wheel of one of the cars involved is facing charges, according to police.
Elvis Cruz, 18, was taken into custody by state police and charged Tuesday afternoon, according to officials. The charges Cruz is facing are in connection to the crash that killed Lauryn Leonard, 19, from Suffolk, police say.
Police were made aware of the crash around 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19. It happened in the southbound lanes of I-664, south of Military Highway, police say.
During the incident, two cars - one driven by Cruz and the other by Leonard - crashed, causing both drivers to lose control and go off the road, police say. The two cars both hit the guardrail and Cruz's car flipped over, police added.
Leonard died in the crash, and Cruz was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police say.
Police say Cruz is facing the following charges: reckless driving, fail to maintain proper control, causing death; No valid driver's license; No valid inspection; No proof of insurance. Cruz is not a U.S. citizen, according to state police.
As of Feb. 29, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office says that Cruz is also charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Police are still looking into what caused the crash. If you saw either of the cars on I-664 before or during the crash, you’re asked to contact police by calling 804-750-8788 or emailing question@vsp.virginia.gov.
Cruz was driving a 2008 red Pontiac Vibe and Leonard was driving a 2000 grey Toyota Solara, police say.
Cruz is being held without bond.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
