‘It’s a lot to process’: Reaction pours in after no charges filed in crash leaves Richmond principal seriously injured
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney's Office has decided not to pursue charges against anyone involved in a crash that left a Richmond principal seriously injured, sending shockwaves through some in the Mary Munford Elementary School community.
According to a press release sent out by the office, Mary Munford principal Gregory Muzik collided with a Ford Explorer while riding an electric bicycle as they were both heading westbound on Patterson Avenue.
Muzik, who was seriously injured, was sent to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Hospital, where he is still recovering over a month later.
The 65-year-old driver of the Ford Explorer stayed at the scene at the time of the incident and has cooperated with the Richmond Police Department's (RPD) investigation.
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"It's a lot to process -- it's really unfortunate all around," said Michele Lanham, parent of two at Mary Munford Elementary School." "Mr. Muzik really is the heart and soul of the school, and he actually cares a lot about bike safety, and has led 'bike to school' days -- and has really done a lot of work to try and make this area right around the school more pedestrian- and bike-friendly."
Due to a lack of evidence, the Commonwealth has decided not to file charges against anyone involved in the incident, declining to prosecute.
Per the release, RPD's crash team investigated the incident and found no evidence that the driver of the Ford Explorer "was speeding, driving recklessly, under the influence, using a cell phone, or otherwise failing to pay attention."
The investigation also revealed Muzik was riding his bicycle "between the parking lane and the vehicle travel lane, outside of the designated bicycle lane, when it appeared he was attempting to execute a left turn onto Woodlawn Avenue."
No rear damage was found to Muzik's bicycle. Instead, the left handlebar and bent front wheel were damaged. Investigators confirmed the bicycle and the SUV made initial contact at the front right hood and fender of the SUV.
Investigators noted that a car was parked in a nearby parking lane, but could not determine if it had blocked the vision of either Muzik or the driver of the SUV. It could also not be determined whether the numerous bicycle lane and parking lane markings had anything to do with the collision.
Students spoke with 8News after finding out no consequences would be given to anyone in the incident and explained they are just hoping for Muzik to have a speedy recovery.
"It's really heartbreaking that he got hurt while riding his bike and I hope he feels better soon," said Mia Waller, a 3rd-grader at Mary Munford Elementary School.
