Man charged in October crash that killed 23-year-old Knightdale officer
A 40-year-old man is facing several charges connected to an October crash that killed Knightdale police officer Ryan Hayworth.
Dedric Romero Privette is charged with driving while impaired, failure to move over resulting in serious injury or death, felony death by vehicle, aggressive driving and two counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
Hayworth, 23, was hit and killed while responding to a crash on Interstate 540.
Before joining the Knightdale Police Department, Hayworth also served in the Army National Guard, and was deployed to Kuwait during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and many other honors.
"The case was subsequently submitted to the grand jury and indictments were returned," according to Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.
Privette is not currently in custody, but once arrested is expected to be held under a $2 million bond.
Hundreds of people, including local police officers, friends and family held a memorial on Oct. 20 for Hayworth at the Knightdale Station Park.
Chief Lawrence Capps said that the overwhelming community support is why he wanted to make sure the public had an opportunity to honor Hayworth’s sacrifice and legacy.
“The outpouring of support from them has just been tremendous, and the love that our community has shown us has just been extraordinary, and with that we have been able to move forward,” said Capps.
Capps also said he was "crushed" by his death, but that remembering Hayworth's drive has given him strength.
"Ryan has left an undeniable mark on my life, and I'm all the better for it," said Capps.
