Rollover on Richmond Highway
 
By PIO Ryan Wilbur
February 18, 2025
 

A driver and passenger are lucky to be alive after a devastating rollover that occurred moments after leaving a local restaurant.

On February 14th at approximately 9:10 p.m. Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to the 2200 block of Richmond Highway for an auto accident. It was advised a Ford Focus was failing to maintain the lane of travel as it “gunned it” away from a restaurant. Shortly after the Ford lost control, went off the roadway, and overturned.

Deputies were quickly on scene and made contact with both the driver and the passenger. While the driver was uninjured, the passenger was transported to a local hospital to be treated for broken bones sustained as a result of the crash. It was discovered the vehicle was traveling Southbound at a high rate of speed when it swerved off the road before striking an embankment and flipping on its roof. The driver, identified as Zaiden Williams, 22, of Stafford, had signs of intoxication including the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and being unsteady on his feet. Williams would admit to consuming “a couple” of drinks prior to getting behind the wheel. Williams was charged with maiming while driving under the influence, reckless driving, and refusal. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The DUI offenses do not end there. While assisting with the scene, Deputy C.A. Sharp observed a Jeep Compass pull off the roadway. The driver, who was inquiring about the condition of the occupants, also had signs of intoxication. She would admit to having a few beers, some tequila, and that she was “probably” not safe to drive. She too participated in field sobriety tests and was detained afterwards. She was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.