Update: Arrest Made in Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Merrifield

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McLean Police District- Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit have charged a driver from the December 29 fatal pedestrian crash in Merrifield.

Through their investigation, detectives determined that a pedestrian, Michelle Wheeler, 53, of no fixed address, was standing in the left lane of eastbound Route 29 prior to Braxton Wood Court when she was struck by a 2020 Nissan Rogue that remained on scene. After the initial impact, Wheeler was struck by a second vehicle, a 2024 Toyota Camry, driven by William Wang, 28, of Vienna, which left the scene.

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. 

On January 13, William Wang turned himself in at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and was charged with Felony Hit and Run for his involvement in the crash. He was later released on a $2,000 bond.

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.

Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help FCPD solve crimes, locate missing people, and support investigations.

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.

(Originally published on December 30, 2025)

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.

Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help FCPD solve crimes, locate missing people, and support investigations.

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.