State lawmaker charged with death by vehicle

NC Rep. Larry Womble has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle stemming from an auto accident on Dec. 2, 2011 that took the life of David Allen Carmichael, the Winston-Salem Police Department has announced. The NC Attorney General's office authorized the charge following an investigation by the police department

A press release from the department states that Womble presented himself with his attorney, David Freedman, for warrant service at the Forsyth County Detention Center today at 2:30 p.m. The state lawmaker's first court appearance is scheduled for June 6.

The Winston-Salem lawmaker, who was first elected to the NC House in 1994, had planned to run for the NC Senate District 32 seat being vacated by Linda Garrou, but announced earlier this year that he needed to focus on recovering from the accident instead. Earline Parmon, a fellow Democrat who serves in the NC House with Womble, announced that she would run for the seat with Womble's support. 

Full press release after jump: 
 
Brief Description of Incident
Vehicle 1 –  2010 Acura sedan operated by Larry Wayne Womble, B/M, 06-06-1941 of
                     1294 Salem Lake Road, W-S 27107    

Vehicle 2 –  1996 Chrysler convertible operated by David Allen Carmichael, W/M, 03-24-1957
                     of 2767 Reynolds Park Road, W-S 27107

Winston-Salem Police officers responded to a motor vehicle accident in the 2600 block of Reynolds Park Road. The accident scene indicated a head on collision had occurred involving the two vehicles. Mr. David Carmichael died on scene due to injuries sustained from the accident.  Mr. Larry Womble is listed in critical condition at Baptist Hospital.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit has assumed the investigation.

This is the 18th fatality of 2011.
 
UPDATE
12-05-2011

Based on the investigation conducted by the Traffic Enforcement Unit regarding the crash on 12-02-2011, the following information has been revealed.

Vehicle 1 (operated by Mr. Womble) was traveling East on Reynolds Park Road.

Vehicle 2 (operated by Mr. Carmichael) was traveling West on Reynolds Park Road.

Vehicle 1 crossed the center line and moved into Vehicle 2 lane of travel and collided with Vehicle 2 in a head on collision. This conclusion is supported by an independent witness statement and then investigation of the crash scene.

Estimated speed of Vehicle 1 is 50 mph. Estimated speed of Vehicle 2 is 45 mph. The speed limit at the point of the crash is 45 mph.

The driver of Vehicle 1 (Mr. Womble) was not wearing his seat belt at the time of impact.

The driver of Vehicle 2’s (Mr. Carmichael) seat belt usage at the time of impact is still under investigation.

Blood samples from both drivers have been obtained and will be submitted for analysis for any impairing substances. There is no evidence, at this time, that excessive speed or impairing substances led to this crash.

This investigation is ongoing and no determination as to any charges out of this crash will be made until the investigation is complete.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call the Winston- Salem Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit at 336-773-7832.
 
UPDATE
01-04-12

The Winston-Salem Police Department has received the toxicology reports from blood samples submitted from Mr. Womble and Mr. Carmichael.

Mr. Womble had no intoxicants in his blood.

Mr. Carmichael’s blood alcohol content was 0.29 according to analysis. Under North Carolina General Statute 0.08 is considered impaired. No other intoxicants were found in Mr. Carmichael sample.

The investigation into this crash is still ongoing and no information previously provided regarding the crash has changed. Updates will be provided as additional information is obtained.

Media Inquiries can contact Sgt. RK Peterson of the Traffic Enforcement Unit at 336-773-7832.
                                                            UPDATE
                                                            05-24-12

On 05-23-12, at the completion of the investigation by the Winston-Salem Police Department the North Carolina State Attorney General’s Office authorized charging Mr. Larry Womble with Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle stemming from the accident that occurred on December 2nd 2011.(12Cr055050)

Mr. Womble presented himself with his attorney, Mr. David Freedman for warrant service at the Forsyth County Detention Center on 05-24-12 at 2:30 pm.

He was processed and released to appear in court on June 6th, 2012.

Any media inquiries should be directed to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office at  1-919-716-6400.

**** At the request of media and in accordance with policy, attached is a processing photograph of Mr. Larry Womble.

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