A woman from Alameda, California, who died from a vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident, was identified on Tuesday, February 11th, as Wansiri Panyapong, 34. The deceased got run down by 38-year-old, Justin Benton.

The investigation from the Alameda County Sheriff’s office uncovered that on the day of the accident — last Friday — Benton was driving westbound when he suddenly veered off his lane. He turned right and crashed into Panyapong.

The deceased was standing in the sidewalk corner, northeast of an intersection between Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway and Coral Sea Street. The woman suffered fatal injuries, and despite the efforts of first responders, she died at the scene.

Benton was driving while intoxicated, and he admitted to the police that he injects cocaine and takes methadone. A search of his person produced cocaine in the pocket.

The police also found that he was under the influence of a stimulant as well as narcotic pain relievers. Further investigations revealed that the driver has a suspended driving license, and he has four prior suspensions.

Benton was driving the car belonging to his partner when he crashed into Panyapong. On Tuesday, the district attorney charged him with felony gross vehicular manslaughter.

He is also charged with unlawful driving or taking a vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and causing injury. Misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended or revoked license also made the charge.

Benton is currently in Santa Rita Jail without bail, and if convicted, he is facing a lengthy prison sentence under the California Penal Code. The police have asked anyone with helpful information to contact the Sheriff’s office.

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