'No Physical Evidence' Driver 'Applied The Brakes Or Took Evasive Action' Before Killing Cyclists, Investigators Claim

Two members of the Milligan University cycling team died Wednesday morning after a driver crashed his car into a group of 11 riders, hospitalizing seven others. Police arrested 69-year-old John Benfield and charged him with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness. Details were initially scarce, but the responding officer's affidavit is now public, offering at least some insight into what may have happened. 

According to the affidavit published by WCYB, Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Mason Bowen reported arriving at the scene of the crash at about 9:02 a.m. where he learned the driver of a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport had hit "approximately 10 cyclists," killing two and seriously or critically injuring many more. Bowen also explained his understanding of how the crash occurred, writing:

The suspect was traveling in lane two (outside lane) behind another vehicle. The vehicle traveling in front of the suspect changed from lane two (outside lane) into lane one (inside lane). When the vehicle ahead changed lanes, the suspect failed to observe the group of bicyclists traveling ahead of him in lane two. The investigation indicated that the suspect was traveling at a distance and/or in a manner that did not allow him sufficient time or distance to perceive and react to the roadway conditions. Additionally, the investigation revealed no physical evidence indicating that the suspect applied the brakes or took evasive action to avoid the collision. The suspect continued forward and subsequently striking a group of bicyclists.

Bowen also claims that prior to his arrival, officers at the scene "reported detecting the odor of marijuana emitting from Mr. Benfield's vehicle." The affidavit doesn't specify whether the officers reporting the odor claim to have smelled burned or fresh marijuana, and at least at the time of writing, it doesn't appear that Benfield has been charged with driving under the influence.

When questioned, Benfield reportedly admitted "that he failed to observe the bicyclists until the vehicle directly in front of him changed lanes." In his conclusion, Bowen wrote: 

I believe Mr. Benfield operated his vehicle with a reckless disregard for the safety of others. Mr. Benfield's conduct created a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death or serious bodily injury, and his failure to perceive or disregard that risk constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary and prudent driver would exercise under the same circumstances. As a direct result of this reckless conduct, multiple bicyclists sustained serious bodily injury.

Meanwhile, WJHL reports that Benfield has been released from the Carter County jail on a $300,000 bond prosecutors highlighted a 1990 DUI charge and "a 'severe' accident in 2017 that the state is waiting to learn more about." Benfield next hearing is currently scheduled for August 31. 

As for the students he ran over with his car, Ballad Health shared an update last night at 6:40 p.m., saying it had treated seven patients after the crash and has already discharged one of them. Of the six still requiring treatment, two are reportedly "in stable condition and receiving care in the medical-surgical unit," while four more "are being treated in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, where they require monitoring and specialized care for serious injuries." 

That's at least somewhat encouraging news, but as the update points out, "Incidents involving multiple trauma patients can create an immediate need for blood products." If you live in Tennessee's Tri-City area, you can make an appointment to donate in Kingsport, Bristol, or Johnson City here.