An auto accident involving a police cruiser on Thursday afternoon left a two-year-old child in the hospital with head injuries, according to a report from Virginia State Police.
The accident occurred at approximately 2.09pm at the Clarion Road exit, off U.S. 29 in Altavista, according to Sgt. David Cooper.
Melissa Camiglio, the mother of the injured child, was driving her 1999 Chevrolet Prism on U.S. 29 when she failed to stop at the Clarion Road stop sign. This resulted in her vehicle being crashed into by Altavista Police Officer Devin H. Snead’s 2007 Ford Crown Victoria cruiser.
According to Cooper, Camiglio’s two year old child suffered head injuries in the accident because she was not adequately restrained in the vehicle. The child was airlifted to Roanoke Memorial Hospital where there is no word on her condition. Snead was taken to a local physician after complaining of neck and back pain as a result of the accident.
Despite her assertions that she tried to stop at the stop sign, Camiglio was charged with both reckless driving and for failing to restrain a child properly in her vehicle.
Trooper M.B. Okuley in charge on the investigation says Camiglio’s car will be checked for mechanical problems during the course of the investigation.