Driver Flees after Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Hybla Valley

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Mount Vernon Police District — Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction (CRU) and Auto Crimes Enforcement (ACE) Units are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash after the driver of a stolen vehicle hit and killed a pedestrian.

This morning, at 12:17 a.m., officers were searching the Hybla Valley area for a vehicle that was stolen overnight on Mar. 9 from the 7900 block of Sausalito Place. An officer saw the stolen black 2015 Hyundai Sonata on Buckman Road near Russell Road. The driver of a stolen Sonata sped away at the sight of the police. Officers did not pursue.

Approximately 15 minutes later, an officer saw the stolen vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Janna Lee Avenue towards the dead end. The driver sideswiped an occupied vehicle near Tamarind Street. Officers followed the direction the driver was traveling and located the stolen vehicle crashed into a dumpster and unoccupied.

Officers then found a struck pedestrian in the grass nearby. James Johnson, 63, of Hybla Valley was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Officers saturated the area but were unable to locate the driver. No description of the driver at this time.

Preliminarily, CRU detectives determined the driver of the stolen vehicle sideswiped a vehicle on Janna Lee Avenue and struck Johnson in the roadway on Janna Lee Avenue before crashing into a dumpster. ACE and CRU detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Detectives would like to speak to anyone who may have information about this crash. Those with information are asked to please call 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), and by web –Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

Victim specialists from our Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the victim’s family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.

This is the 3rd pedestrian crash fatality in the County to date in 2024. Year-to-date in 2023, there were 0 pedestrian crash fatalities.

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