A father in Virginia has been arrested after a 22-minute delay in calling 911 following a tragic tractor accident that claimed the life of his three-year-old son. The Bristol Virginia Police Department announced on Friday that Austin Tyler-Raymond Tester, 21, has been charged with Felony Homicide in connection with the April 23 incident.
Details of the Incident
According to officials, Tester was driving a John Deere 5200 tractor with his young son when the vehicle overturned, pinning the boy underneath. Instead of immediately contacting emergency services, Tester first called his mother, Kelly M. Tester, 41. Investigators determined that neither Tester nor his mother called 911 for 22 minutes, resulting in an approximately 31-minute delay before emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Response and Charges
When officials arrived, they found the overturned tractor at the bottom of an embankment. Depending on the model, the John Deere 5200 can weigh between 4,250 and 5,630 pounds. Rescuers lifted the tractor and began life-saving measures. The boy was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead at 12:35 p.m. Preliminary findings from the Office of the Medical Examiner indicate the cause of death was asphyxiation.
The Bristol Virginia Police Department stated, 'Investigators have determined that the delay in contacting emergency services significantly impacted the ability to provide timely life-saving measures.' Tester allegedly left the scene after his mother arrived and was found hiding inside a property she owned on Fairmount Avenue. He told authorities he was avoiding law enforcement due to an outstanding warrant.
Kelly Tester has been charged with Felony Child Abuse and Neglect, Felony Homicide, and Obstruction of Justice for allegedly providing false information and assisting in concealing her son. Both are being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority.
Official Statement
Chief D. Byron Ashbrook expressed condolences, saying, 'This is a heartbreaking and tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. This investigation revealed a significant delay in contacting emergency services, which is deeply concerning. Incidents like this also affect the first responders who are called to act quickly in critical situations.' He thanked the Bristol Fire Department and Life Saving Crew for their efforts and affirmed the department's commitment to a thorough investigation.
The case remains an active investigation.
