PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
According to the clerk of Patrick Co. Circuit Court, the defense withdrew the request for bail.
ORIGINAL STORY
A man is now facing DUI charges after a crash that left two high schoolers hospitalized in Patrick County, according to Virginia State Police.
As we’ve reported previously, the crash happened on Dec. 16 as 16-year-old Micah Underwood and his girlfriend, 17-year-old Lauren Worley were hit head-on by a suspected drunk driver. They were on their way home from Christmas shopping.
“Just a normal drive, you know you’re not thinking about having a crazy car crash — you’re just not,” Micah told 10 News in an earlier interview. “Coming around a curve all I see is just two headlights in my lane,” Micah said.
[ORIGINAL STORY: Car crash in Patrick County leaves two high schoolers hospitalized]
We’ve now learned that charges have been placed.
30-year-old Oscar Vidrio of Floyd is facing the following charges, according to the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office:
- Reckless driving,
- Driving while suspended or revoked,
- DWI (first offense),
- Permanent maiming another while DWI - Class 4 felony,
- DWI maiming serious injury - Class 6 felony.
According to the sheriff, Vidrio is also facing two traffic summons.
We’re told he was considered a high-flight risk and was also wanted in Georgia for failing to appear. His Georgia charges included defective equipment, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and speeding, with the offense date listed as Nov. 30, 2019.
Police said Vidrio is being held in the Patrick County Jail with no bond.
10 News reached out to Micah Underwood’s parents, Jason and Cheryl, and they said their focus since the accident has been on one thing.
“Maybe at some point we will feel a little bit more angry but I think right now we are just so focused on these kids,” said Jason Underwood.
On Christmas, the Underwoods were able to make the trip down to see the Worley family and visit Lauren.
“For me, just to hold her hand and tell her Merry Christmas really means a lot,” said Cheryl Underwood.
They also said they trust police investigators and the court system.
“Justice will be served and we hope and pray that he can get the help that he needs,” Jason said.
Jason said he hopes this horrific experience will raise awareness to not drink and drive.
“Nobody wants to get that call in the middle of the night,” Jason said.
10 News talked to the Worleys and they said they are happy to report Lauren has been taken off all sedation.
They said now they are waiting for Lauren to wake up so she can continue her long road to recovery.
Click either of the hyperlinks if you’d like to support Micah or Lauren’s families during this time.