Only weeks ago, a U.S. Navy Sailor was killed in a drunk driving hit and run while he was crossing the street in Jacksonville Beach. According to police reports, the sailor was crossing at a painted sidewalk after the light turned red.

A witness told authorities that the driver of the vehicle kept driving and then returned to the scene moments later. Reports also said that the driver got out of his vehicle, walked over to the victim and stood over him, got back into his car, and left the scene a second time. The driver was pursued and stopped by police 14 miles away from the scene. The officers arrested the driver using a tag and vehicle description from a witness that was used to identify him.

Any accident involving evidence of drunk driving is more serious when it involves an injury to another person. Charges and penalties can be significant when a driver is charged with leaving the scene of the accident and when the victim suffers a fatality because of the crime. The driver of the vehicle has been charged with DUI, manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

In some instances, a driver in this situation can pursue rehabilitation and reduce charges or penalties through alternative sentencing programs. Many drunk-drivers also have substance abuse problems, which can be treated.

The sailor had been stationed in Jacksonville for a year. His family was devastated by the tragic death, especially since they had been more worried about him being killed action while living in a war zone, not crossing the street on his homeland.

Source: Spartanburg Harold Journal, "Navy sailor with ties to Spartanburg County killed in accident," April 18, 2012.