Criminal Manslaughter Charges Dropped Against Police Officer In Norfolk

A Virginia judge dropped criminal manslaughter charges that were pending against Officer Joey Bennett who was accused of playing a role in the death of a bicycle rider last year. A second manslaughter charge is still pending against another officer who was allegedly involved in the fatal crash that took Donnell Worsely’s life.

According to local news reports, Officers Bennett and Folston were driving in separate police cars on Brambleton Avenue near Norfolk State University. The officers were allegedly responding to a call when Officer Bennett noticed a bicyclist crossing the street in front of him. According to reports, he was able to stop his police car. Unfortunately, Officer Folston allegedly pulled around Bennett’s cruiser and stuck Worsely.

According to evidence obtained from a global positioning system, Officer Bennett’s car had been traveling at a rate of approximately 60 mph. The posted speed limit on Brambleton Avenue is 30 mph. Officer Folston, the second officer involved in the motor vehicle death of Donnell Worsely, will be attending a court hearing next week on charges of reckless driving and manslaughter.