Woman killed running from trooper

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Police say a pedestrian was struck by a van on Interstate 264 while running away from a trooper during a DUI stop.

According to Sgt. Michelle Anaya with Virginia State Police, troopers pulled over a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu for suspicion of driving under the influence around 7 p.m. Monday evening on the right shoulder of Interstate 264 westbound just east of Military Highway. The driver, James Duesberry, 48, of Virginia Beach, was taken into custody for DUI.

Anaya says the trooper then approached the passenger of the Malibu to determine if she was intoxicated. The passenger, Kathleen White, 49, of Virginia Beach told the trooper she had not been drinking but was on medication for her blood pressure. Anaya says White "displayed erratic behavior and was unsteady on her feet." Friends of White said she may have had a panic attack.

According to Anaya, White suddenly ran away from the trooper into the westbound lanes of Interstate 264. The trooper ran to save her and dodged getting hit, but White was struck by a van and killed on impact.

WAVY.com has learned White and Duesberry lived together at a home on Falkirk Court in Virginia Beach and were engaged.

Anaya says the outside lanes of Interstate 264 as well as the Interstate 64 ramps to Interstate 264 westbound were closed from 7:40 p.m. until 9:40 p.m. Monday evening.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.