Police Arrest Driver in Fatal East Main Street Hit-and-Run

Why it matters

The death of Laverty, a well-known folk singer and open mic regular, has drawn attention in the Richmond music community. The case centers on a pedestrian fatality and the felony charge reflects the seriousness of leaving the scene.

The details

Laverty was struck by a car around 10 a.m. on November 6 on East Main Street in Richmond and was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Laverty had recently battled cancer, had begun returning to open mic nights in the past couple of months, and was known for promoting local artists.

Timeline

1. Over the past couple of months, Laverty had started returning to open mic events.

2. On November 6, around 10 a.m., Laverty was struck by a car on East Main Street.

3. Later on November 6, Laverty died at the hospital.

Legal Context

The felony hit-and-run charge filed against McSparren falls under Virginia's hit-and-run statute, which elevates the offense when a driver leaves the scene of a collision that causes serious injury or death. Cases like this one are typically prosecuted under that statute in Richmond courts.

The takeaway

The arrest underscores that remaining at the scene after a collision is required by law and that pedestrian safety on busy city streets depends on every driver staying put and reporting what happened. The loss of Laverty also highlights the role local performers play in their community.

Further reading

For more local incidents like this, browse Accidents coverage in Richmond.