Fatality update: Police continue investigation

Published 9:27 pm Monday, March 15, 2010

The man accused of hitting and killing a wheelchair user in a crosswalk with his Chevrolet SUV Friday night has been issued a summons for driving on a suspended license, a city spokeswoman said.

Ramshami Bakari, 40, of the 400 block of Maryland Avenue in Portsmouth, could face additional charges after the case is reviewed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

The victim, Betty Jean Artis, 64, of Chorey Park Apartments in the 800 block of West Constance Road, was crossing West Constance Road in the 800 block, returning from the Plaza West Shopping Center, when she was struck about 6:45 p.m. Artis was using a motorized wheelchair. She suffered head trauma, and died later at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

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City spokeswoman Debbie George said Friday the area was dark and rainy at the time of the accident.

The investigating officer will complete his investigation and forward it to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office prior to any possible additional charges being placed, George said.