By Jane Harper
The Virginian-Pilot
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — An Emergency Medical Services brigade chief pleaded guilty last month to improper driving stemming from a crash that left an 88-year-old woman dead.
Jeffrey Brennaman, 61, initially was charged with reckless driving and endangerment after the March 1 crash near Lynnhaven Mall but was allowed to plead to the lesser charge. He was fined $500, which is the maximum punishment.
According to a stipulation of facts in the case, Brennaman was driving an EMS sport utility vehicle south on Lynnhaven Parkway at 9:15 a.m. and talking to a co-worker on his cellphone when he ran a red light at the North Mall Drive intersection.
He tried to avoid a collision by steering right but ended up striking a 2003 Dodge Intrepid on its passenger side, according to the document.
Doris Virginia Baxter was in the front passenger seat and was pinned in the car. She was taken to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead less than two hours later.
Brennaman is assigned to an administrative position at EMS headquarters, said Ed Brazle, the department’s chief.
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