Police: Woman dead after man runs red light in Petersburg

PETERSBURG, Va. (WWBT) - A 28-year-old Petersburg woman died on March 15 after a crash involving a red-light runner, Virginia State Police said. That driver, police say, was involved in a pursuit that started in Chesterfield.

“A 2013 Chevy Silverado driven by Michael Kenneth Dawson, 38, of Hopewell, ran the red light while traveling south on Adams Street and struck a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis in the passenger side door,” state police said about the crash, which happened at 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 at the intersection of Adams and Washington streets.

The driver of the Mercury was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The passenger of that vehicle - Denasia Shaquelle Gray - was transported to the hospital, where she died.

The Chesterfield Police Department says that Dawson was involved in a pursuit that started in the area of Iron Bridge Road and Lewis Road.

“Police had information that firearms were in the Silverado when it was stolen,” the Chesterfield Police Department said. “The vehicle did not stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle continued east on Iron Bridge Road, and police deployed stop sticks in an attempt to disable the vehicle. Several of the vehicle’s tires were damaged, but the vehicle continued to flee east on Route 10 and then south on Route 1.”

Police say the vehicle swerved into oncoming lanes and disregarded traffic signs and signals.

The vehicle then proceeded into Colonial Heights and then into Petersburg where the crash happened.

Dawson was arrested and charged with:

• Felony eluding
• Possession of a stolen vehicle
• Driving under the influence
• Reckless driving
• Driving while revoked
• Being a felon in possession of a firearm in relation

Dawson is being held at Riverside Regional Jail.

This crash remains under investigation.

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