A fatal road traffic collision in Georgeville has left one local man dead and a 20-year-old facing serious criminal charges, as authorities move forward with an investigation into the deadly incident that has shaken the small community.
The victim, 27-year-old Georgeville resident Thomas Martinez, was riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when he was struck from behind by a Dodge Charger driven by Hai Ming Chen, according to official police statements. The force of the impact threw Martinez from his vehicle into a roadside drainage ditch, and the crash proved fatal for the 27-year-old.
Following the completion of initial investigation work, police have formally taken Chen into custody and lodged three criminal charges against him: manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, and driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, a staff officer with the police force, confirmed the charges in an official statement on the ongoing case.
“As a consequence of the ongoing investigation into the road traffic accident which claimed the life of Thomas Lester Martinez, police have formally arrested and charged Hai Min Chen for the crimes of manslaughter by negligence and causing death by careless conduct and the offense of drove motor vehicle without due care and attention,” Smith said.
In the wake of Martinez’s death, his grieving family has publicly called for fast and transparent accountability, pushing authorities to ensure justice is served for their loved one without unnecessary delays. The case remains active as the legal process moves forward, and investigators have not yet released additional details surrounding potential contributing factors to the collision, such as speed, alcohol or drug use, or road conditions at the time of the crash.
This report is adapted from a transcript of an evening television newscast originally published online.