22-year-old Maurice W. Dawkins Jr. of Townsend, Delaware is charged with Second Degree Vehicular Homicide and Driving in Violation of Restrictions on Occupational License in connection with a two vehicle crash that killed 51-year-old Allan A. Cunha of Elkton, Maryland.
The accident happened at approximately 6:26 p.m. back on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, in the southbound lanes of Interstate 495.
Police say the 1998 Mazda 626 being operated by Dawkins was traveling at a high rate of speed in the center lane of the highway when it moved into the right lane, striking the left front of Cunha's 2004 Chevrolet Blazer.
The impact sent both vehicles off the roadway and down a steep embankment. Cunha's Chevrolet Blazer overturned and the driver's side and roof area hit a tree. Dawkins' vehicle remained upright and came to rest in a patch of thick grass and weeds.
Cunha suffered multiple traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dawkins and a 21-year-old male passenger were not injured in the accident.
Investigators later determined that Dawkins was traveling in what they described as "an aggressive and negligent manner" at a high rate of speed, allegedly switching lanes without signaling, and driving close to the rear of other vehicles prior to the collision.
Dawkins was arrested on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, charged, and then released on $10, 100 unsecured bond.
