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Five people were killed in Fairfax County crashes over a two-day period, prompting police to urge drivers and pedestrians to slow down, stay sober and pay closer attention on local roads.
Four of the victims were pedestrians, while the fifth was a motorcyclist. The deaths raised the countywide pedestrian fatality count to 10.
Deputy Police Chief Dalton Becker called the 48-hour stretch “a dangerous time on our roadways” during a Friday press conference at Richmond Highway and Frye Road in Woodlawn.
Although the crashes occurred at different times, Becker said preventable risks—including alcohol, speeding and other reckless behavior—were involved. Some drivers were charged with driving under the influence, while police were awaiting laboratory results in other cases.
Becker also warned that pedestrians who cross outside designated areas may misjudge the speed or distance of approaching vehicles. Officers planned to distribute safety pamphlets nearby and remind people to use pedestrian walkways and crosswalks.
“There’s no excuse. Don’t do it,” Becker said of impaired driving. He added that paying attention amid everyday distractions could save a life, noting that at least five families were grieving.
The latest fatality occurred Friday morning at Little River Turnpike and Southland Avenue in Lincolnia, where a vehicle struck and killed an elderly man. Police charged the 19-year-old driver with driving under the influence.
Two pedestrians died Thursday night in separate collisions: one on a Leesburg Pike service road in Seven Corners and another on Gallows Road near the Mosaic District in Merrifield.
Earlier Thursday, Jerry Harris, 64, of Alexandria, was struck by a 2019 Nissan Rogue at Richmond Highway and Fort Hunt Road in Huntington. He was then hit by a 2018 Toyota RAV4 and died.
The fifth deadly collision happened Wednesday afternoon, June 17. Dwain Martin Jr., 24, of Lorton, was thrown from his motorcycle after striking a loaded trailer being pulled by a 2024 Ford F-650. Police said the truck was turning left from southbound Route 1 into a business driveway. Martin was subsequently struck by a 2023 BMW 430i.
Two of the five crashes occurred along Richmond Highway, a corridor that has long concerned pedestrian and traffic-safety advocates.
Becker also described a separate Friday morning crash in the Franconia District. An officer was helping a driver who had hit a pole when another driver allegedly crashed into the rear of the marked police vehicle.
The officer was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, treated and released. The other driver was cited.
“If they are going to run into a marked car, they’re going to potentially run into unmarked vehicles that most of us drive,” Becker said, warning that inattentive drivers also endanger pedestrians.
“Watch your speed,” he added. “Please pay attention, slow down.”