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Newport News couple kills bicyclist

A man and his girlfriend have been charged with involuntary manslaughter for the September 18th Newport News car crash that killed a local bicyclist.
 
Twenty-one-year-old Len Joachim was riding his bicycle on the sidewalk on Jefferson Avenue near the intersection with Francisco Way when a 2001 Dodge Durango travelling north crossed the lane into oncoming traffic. The SUV collided with a 2003 Chrysler van and then plowed onto the sidewalk and overturned. It struck Joachim who died three days later at Riverside Regional Medical Center.
 
The SUV was driven by 32-year-ols Bernard Sumpter.  Sumter was charged with DUI, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and reckless driving.  However, a police investigation concluded that a domestic dispute between Sumpter and his girlfriend Shanta Bridges, 25, caused the crash which occurred when Bridges had reached over from the passenger seat and attempted to grab the steering wheel away from Sumpter.
 
Both Sumpter and Bridges were arrested and placed in the custody of the Newport News City Jail. They are charged with involuntary manslaughter for the Virginia bicycle-car crash death of Mr. Joachim.

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