Fairfax County Police Department News

McLean Police District – Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit (CRU) are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred yesterday in Merrifield.

On December 29 at 6:48 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving a pedestrian at Route 29 and Braxton Wood Court in Merrifield.

Officers determined that the driver of a 2020 Nissan Rogue was traveling eastbound on Route 29 prior to Braxton Wood Court when the vehicle struck a pedestrian, Michelle Wheeler, 53, of no fixed address, who was standing in the left lane. After the initial impact, Wheeler was struck by a second unidentified vehicle. Detectives are attempting to locate that vehicle.

Wheeler was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced deceased. The driver of the Nissan Rogue was uninjured and remained on scene. 

Alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the crash. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still being investigated.

Detectives would like to speak to anyone who may have information about this case. 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.

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