The Richmond Police Department announced on social media that it is investigating a serious motor vehicle accident involving a bicyclist. Around 1:27 p.m. on August 17, 2024, RPD officers responded to a motor vehicle accident in the first block of South 37th Street.

The Crash Investigation Team responded to the scene due to the severity of the injuries. RPD says the preliminary investigation indicated that a white Jeep driven by 46-year-old Natalie Barnes-Sparks was traveling southbound when a bicyclist, Samantha Thurman, collided with the vehicle.

Thurman was unable to stop in time and hit the Jeep. RPD says Thurman was taken to an area hospital for treatment. RPD arrested Barnes-Sparks for Operating While Intoxicated on a Controlled Substance, Operating While Intoxicated Causing Bodily Injury, and Possession of Methamphetamine.

The Jeep’s passenger, Catherine Sparks, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Controlled Substance.