NORFOLK, Va. – On Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, a Norfolk jury convicted Larry Lorenzo Taylor Jr., 35, of felony hit and run for running down an ODU tennis player and pinning him to a wall.
On Oct. 25, 2021, Nicola Vidal and some teammates went to the 7-Eleven on the corner of Powhatan Avenue and 48th Street to buy snacks while celebrating a tennis-match win that morning. While Mr. Vidal stood outside the store waiting for his teammates to shop, Mr. Taylor got into his car and drove over the concrete bumper in front of the vehicle onto the sidewalk. Mr. Taylor, who did not know Mr. Vidal or his teammates, drove directly into Mr. Vidal and rammed him into a stone trash can. The force of Mr. Taylor’s car shattered the trash can, broke Mr. Vidal’s leg, and cut his femoral artery, an injury that often leads to death from blood loss.
Mr. Taylor backed up and drove off while Mr. Vidal’s teammates rushed to help him. Mr. Vidal would have died, but a former Eagle Scout with a military background and extensive first aid knowledge was nearby and able to keep Mr. Vidal’s bleeding under control until paramedics arrived. The 7-Eleven assistant manager on shift later provided a description of Mr. Taylor and his vehicle to Norfolk Police. She told investigators that Mr. Taylor’s behavior before the crash made her uncomfortable to the point that she phoned and warned employees on the next shift to keep an eye out for him.
Mr. Vidal underwent extensive surgery at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and doctors were able to save Mr. Vidal’s leg. After undergoing extensive physical therapy and being left with a large scar, Mr. Vidal was able to return to class and the team.
On Monday, Mr. Taylor was convicted by a Norfolk jury of felony hit and run. He is docketed for sentencing on April 7.
"A Norfolk jury has convicted Mr. Taylor of a crime that, but for the heroic efforts of a Good Samaritan, would have killed the victim," said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. "I am grateful to that bystander for his quick help, and I am thankful that Mr. Vidal, who came to Norfolk to grow as a student and athlete, is alive and thriving. We work every day to offer a safe environment to our local college students and to hold accountable the individuals who harm our neighbors."
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Jessica L. Terkovich and A. Robinson Winn Sr., prosecuted Mr. Taylor’s case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Please contact Nia Tariq at 757-620-5454 or nia.tariq@norfolk.gov for more information.
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