Hit-and-run shows issue of undocumented drivers

After collision, deportation likely awaits motorist after pleading guilty

By Alex E. Rich • Staff Writer • January 29, 2011

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ACCOMAC -- When Angel Perez's vehicle crashed into another last summer on U.S. Route 13 in Accomac, he leapt from the vehicle and ran away.

Perez, 32, of Onancock, left the aftermath and the driver of the other vehicle, who sustained a minor injury.

"He jumped from his vehicle and ran about a block down the street," said Frank Suraci, an assistant Accomack County prosecutor. "An individual uninvolved with the accident was able to make him sit down and wait for police."

Perez was an illegal immigrant without automotive insurance, and authorities say hit-and-run accidents involving such drivers can be a problem in areas with a large population of migrant workers.

Unable to pay for the damages or show proof of legal residency, undocumented immigrants may choose to flee the scene for fear of deportation.

Perez pleaded guilty last week to a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident and a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice in connection with the July 23, 2010, collision at the intersection of Lankford Highway and Accomac Road.

He was arrested the day after the crash and had been incarcerated since, testimony showed. Substitute Circuit Court Judge Robert B. Cromwell Jr. sentenced Perez to a total of six years on the two convictions with all but six months suspended on condition of good behavior.

Regardless of the sentence, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement department has placed a detainer on Perez and deportation proceedings likely will begin.

The problem of drivers like Perez has been noticed by the state. Late last year, in an effort to decrease the number of illegal immigrant drivers, Virginia decided to deny federal work permit cards as proof of legal status in the United States, which is needed to obtain a driving license and purchase car insurance.

Others say people are overlooking the human element when it comes to the issue of immigration.

The Rev. Louis A. Timmons of Willis Wharf, who leads Casa Esperanza, a private agency in Wachapreague that donates food and clothing, gives counseling to the local immigrant community.

"The issues are not legal and illegal," said Timmons. "They are frightened, hurting people in a strange place that has strange ways. These people are bound to make mistakes. But that only makes them human, not just illegals."

Timmons said some of his clients have lived in the community 8-10 years and have bought houses and made homes here. He said many are struggling to find work while farms, the seafood industry, and many major tomato plants are experiencing economic trouble.

"These people come into the store crying," said Timmons. "Sometimes all we can do is sit and listen."

Lately, donations to Casa Esperanza have diminished, though many Hispanics volunteer their labor to help with the upkeep and organization of the agency. About 1,500 people a month visit -- sometimes as many as 40 a day.

Others say it's the victims of hit-and-run accidents who must deal with physical and vehicular damage. If reported to police, the crashes trigger a process by insurance companies and the state to fund the damages.

Under Virginia law, all motorists must have Uninsured Motorist insurance. Tommy Richardson of the Hall-Richardson Insurance Inc. in Keller said this should cover the cost of injuries and damages, but the victim of a hit-and-run accident must report the incident to police.

"Insurance companies will try to recover funds from the hit-and-run operator," said Richardson. "They will try to investigate and locate the hit-and-operator to refund the deductible."

The state code says it is the duty of drivers to stop after accidents "involving injury or death or damage to attended property" and to "render reasonable assistance to any person injured in such accident." If the result is injury, death, or damages surpassing $1,000, the motorist can be charged with a class 5 felony.

Still, Timmons laments the eagerness of people to condemn others. "The world is always too ready to cast blame and judgment," he said.

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