Update: Detectives Charge Two Men Following Fatal Motorcycle Crash

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Mount Vernon Police District – Two men have been charged in connection with the fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on March 13 at Jeff Todd Way near Mill Towns Court. Based on physical evidence and witness accounts at the scene, detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit confirmed their preliminary finding of excessive speeding. The facts and circumstances were presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney earlier this week. The operator of the Kawasaki motorcycle, Joseph Martinez, 25, and the driver of the Chevy Camaro, Steven Burch, 29, both of Fort Belvoir, were charged with reckless driving. Martinez and Burch were released on summonses and are expected to appear in court in May.

Detectives are extremely grateful for the tips and witness accounts that helped to further the investigation.

(Originally published on March 14, 2021)

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon Police District – Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate a fatal crash that occurred around 10:15 yesterday morning on Jeff Todd Way near Mill Towns Court in Mount Vernon. Preliminarily, detectives believe the operators of a 2018 Ducati sport bike, a 2019 Kawasaki sport bike, and a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro were stopped at the intersection of Jeff Todd Way and Richmond Highway. When the light turned green, the motorcyclists and driver of the Camaro rapidly accelerated continuing westbound.

Both motorcyclists attempted to pass the driver of a 2013 Acura TL. The operator of the Ducati, Travis West, 20, of Portsmouth, hit the right side of the Acura and then impacted the rear of a Fairfax County Connector bus that was legally stopped in the right lane at a bus stop. The collision with the bus caused the motorcycle and the rear of the bus to catch fire. The operator of the Kawasaki lost control of the motorcycle which fell on its side and slid to a stop nearby. Both motorcyclists were taken to the hospital where West succumbed to his injuries. The operator of the Kawasaki was treated for injuries that were not life threatening. The bus contained no passengers and the bus driver was not injured. The driver of the Acura and the Chevy were also uninjured. Detectives believe that speed was a contributing factor for the crash. Details of the investigation will be presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for review. 

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact our Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web – Click HERE. Download our Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars if their information leads to an arrest.

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