The 69-year-old man accused of fatally striking two Milligan University cyclists and injuring five others made no effort to avoid the collision, according to arrest documents. John Benfield, of Newland, North Carolina, was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide by recklessness and five counts of aggravated assault by vehicle by recklessness following the incident on Wednesday.
Authorities stated that the investigation revealed no physical evidence that Benfield applied the brakes or took evasive action. He was driving a 2003 Subaru Baja Sport when he struck a group of 11 Milligan University cyclists during a training ride on Highway 19E in Hampton, Tennessee. Officers at the scene reported smelling marijuana emanating from his vehicle.
According to a criminal complaint, Benfield was traveling in the outside lane behind another vehicle. When the vehicle ahead changed to the inside lane, Benfield failed to observe the group of cyclists ahead of him in the outside lane. The affidavit states he was traveling in a manner that did not allow sufficient time or distance to perceive and react to the roadway conditions.
The cyclists killed in the crash were identified as Milligan sophomores Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers. Several other cyclists sustained critical injuries.
Court records indicate Benfield has an extensive history of criminal traffic violations. In 1989, while living in Florida, he accumulated three such violations. He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in Florida in July 1990 and was cited for operating a vehicle with a suspended license two months later. Benfield also has at least seven criminal offenses in North Carolina, though details were not immediately available.
Benfield's bail was set at $150,000 at the Carter County Jail. It was not immediately clear if he had legal representation.