SMITHFIELD, Va. — A Smithfield firefighter is facing charges after a fire engine overturned while responding to a reported structure fire in September.
Virginia State Police identified the driver as William Collins, 31, of Smithfield. Police charged him with driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to drive to the right of the highway’s center line, according to reports citing State Police.
The crash happened Sept. 21 as the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department’s Engine 52 was responding to a possible structure fire on Lakeview Cove. The engine overturned in the 300 block of South Church Street, near Jericho Road.
Collins was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and later released. He was released on his own recognizance after the charges were filed, according to reports.
The department said after the crash that it was cooperating with the investigation. The charges are allegations, and Collins is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
