18-year-old charged in I-664 crash that killed Suffolk woman

Published 7:25 am Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The crash occurred Monday evening along I-664 south of Military Highway (Bowers Hill area) has claimed the life of a Suffolk woman. The crash occurred when Virginia State Patrol says a 2000 grey Toyota Solara and a 2008 red Pontiac Vibe were traveling southbound when they collided. Both drivers lost control of their vehicles, veering off the roadway and striking the guardrail, causing the Pontiac to overturn. Police say both drivers lost control of their vehicles, veering off the roadway and striking the guardrail, causing the Pontiac to overturn.

VSP says the driver and sole occupant of the Toyota, 19-year-old Lauryn Ni’kole Leonard of Suffolk,  died upon impact. The driver and sole occupant of the Pontiac, 18-year-old Elvis Cruz of Portsmouth, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The release said the crash investigation is ongoing, with pending charges.

State Police are asking potential witnesses who may have observed either vehicle traveling southbound on I-664 before or during the incident to contact state police at (804) 750-8788 or via email at question@vsp.virginia.gov.