Man charged after 2-year-old boy tragically killed in Hopewell was allegedly driving while under the influence

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- Months after 2-year-old Cash Antonio Gaines was hit and killed by a car in Hopewell, court documents have revealed that the 44-year-old Sussex man charged with the toddler's aggravated involuntary manslaughter was allegedly driving while under the influence.

On May 19, officers with the Hopewell Police Department were called to the 400 block of South 19th Avenue for a report of a toddler being hit by a vehicle.

When they arrived, they found 2-year-old Gaines with “obvious signs of trauma.” He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

Cash’s father, Antonio Gaines, previously spoke to 8News in the wake of this devastating loss.

Months later, on Thursday, Aug. 28, police announced that 44-year-old Jacob Thomas Joseph Gerard, of Sussex County, was charged with felony aggravated involuntary manslaughter, as well as misdemeanor obstruction of justice.

Court documents state that the 2-year-old's cause of death was "a result of [Gerard] driving while under the influence."

Antonio Gaines and his son, Cash Antonio Gaines. (Photo: Antonio Gaines)

Antonio Gaines and his son, Cash Antonio Gaines. (Photo: Antonio Gaines)

Gerard is being held in Riverside Regional Jail without bond. Court records show that his next court appearance in Hopewell is set for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

In addition to charges relating to Gaines' death in Hopewell, court records show Gerard was also charged with driving while under the influence, first offense, in connection with an incident that reportedly occurred on July 19 in Sussex County.

His next court appearance in Sussex is slated for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.