Colonial Williamsburg president charged with reckless driving in October incident

WILLIAMSBURG – Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, is charged with reckless driving in an October incident in which a 21-year-old William & Mary student walking on Richmond Road was struck and suffered life-threatening injuries.

“After a thorough review of all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the traffic accident that occurred on October 26, 2023 on Richmond Road near the College of William and Mary, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has requested the Virginia State Police issue a subpoena to charge Mr. Fleet with reckless driving,” Williamsburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Nate Green said in an email to WYDaily.

The Code of Virginia states: “Regardless of the maximum speed limits permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on a highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner that endangers the life, health or property of another person may do so do.” be guilty of reckless driving.”

Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. However, these penalties can be reduced depending on the circumstances of the case.

A preliminary investigation in October by Virginia State Police (VSP), at the city’s request for assistance, revealed that Fleet was driving a 2023 Audi SUV eastbound on Richmond Road when he struck the student. Fleet was not injured in the accident. The Virginia State Police Reconstruction Team, along with the Commonwealth Attorney, were notified and arrived at the scene to assist in the investigation.

“Our prayers and concerns are for the health and safety of the person involved in a car accident with President Fleet on Richmond Road this morning. “Our thoughts are also with her family at this very difficult time,” the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation said in an official statement at the time. “President Fleet and the Foundation are cooperating fully with law enforcement conducting the investigation and will defer further comment on the situation to the Virginia State Police.”