VBPD Officer Charged with DUI in Crash [VIRGINIA BEACH, VA]

VBPD Officer Charged with DUI in Crash was taken into custody early Sunday morning after a single-vehicle collision in Virginia Beach, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred on June 1 at approximately 3:48 a.m. when emergency dispatchers received reports of a crash on the 2300 block of Huckleberry Trail. Upon arrival, first responders discovered the vehicle off the road, sustaining significant damage, but fortunately, no life-threatening injuries to any of the involved parties.

Following standard protocol, responding officers immediately secured the scene and initiated an investigation. Field sobriety tests and subsequent breathalyzer analysis indicated that 42-year-old James Rasmussen, a current Virginia Beach Police Department officer, was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Rasmussen, who joined the department on June 29, 2023, was promptly arrested on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) and transported to the local detention center. A VBPD spokesperson confirmed that Rasmussen remains on administrative leave pending a departmental review of his duty status.

While the crash did not result in fatalities, it did leave at least one civilian with serious injuries requiring hospital treatment. Victims of DUI-related collisions often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress stemming from the accident.

In cases where negligence is involved, such as operating a vehicle while impaired, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their losses. Compensation may cover emergency medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, property damage, and, in some instances, pain and suffering.

At Briet Law Attorneys, we understand the profound impact a DUI crash can have on victims and their families. We have extensive experience guiding clients through the legal process, ensuring they obtain the full compensation to which they are entitled.

Our team is dedicated to conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence—such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and toxicology results—and determining liability to build a robust claim on behalf of our clients. We work closely with medical professionals to quantify current and future healthcare needs, calculate lost income during recovery, and assess non-economic damages, such as emotional trauma and diminished quality of life.

We also recognize that the stress of handling insurance negotiations and potential litigation can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. That is why our attorneys take on these burdens, representing victims in negotiations with insurance carriers and, if necessary, advocating aggressively in court. Our goal is to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full scope of losses sustained. By entrusting us with their case, clients gain peace of mind knowing that our legal team is fighting to restore their financial stability.

In addition to seeking compensation for medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, we explore all available avenues for punitive damages when the at-fault party’s conduct is deemed especially reckless. Holding individuals accountable for DUI offenses not only compensates victims but also serves as a deterrent against future negligent behavior. When the at-fault driver is a law enforcement officer, as in this case, justice must be upheld without bias.

Currently, the VBPD is continuing to review Officer Rasmussen’s duty status by departmental policy. The criminal case against him will proceed through the Virginia Beach General District Court, where he faces misdemeanor DUI charges. As the legal process unfolds, victims and their families need a strong legal advocate to protect their rights and secure the compensation necessary to move forward.

It’s essential to have experienced lawyers on your side when you lose a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 757-330-4108 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Breit Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. 

SOURCE: WAVY