An Alexandria woman died Tuesday night after being struck by a hit-and-run driver and then by a responding police officer in Hybla Valley, the Fairfax County Police Department announced.
Trina Jones, 62, of Alexandria, was crossing Richmond Highway at Belford Drive, just outside the Mount Vernon Crossroads shopping center, when a southbound driver hit her around 8:39 p.m., according to a police news release. One of the officers responding to the scene then struck Jones while driving a marked police cruiser, the Fairfax County Police Department said.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue medics attempted life-saving measures, but Jones was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Based on a witness report, police believe the initial driver was operating a 2016 black Mercedes C300 and fled the scene by continuing southbound on Richmond Highway. Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau and Crash Reconstruction Unit obtained an image of the vehicle through their investigation.
The responding officer involved in the second collision is a two-year veteran assigned to the Mount Vernon Police District. Following department policy, the officer has been placed on restricted duty status pending the outcome of the investigation.
Police have opened both criminal and administrative investigations. The Major Crimes Bureau is conducting the criminal investigation, with results to be presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The Internal Affairs Bureau is handling the administrative review.
Jones is the seventh pedestrian killed in a crash in Fairfax County this year and the second involved in a hit-and-run incident on Richmond Highway, according to preliminary state data cited by FFXnow. In April, police arrested and charged a man who fled after striking a woman and her son near Buckman Road in Hybla Valley in January. The child survived, but 33-year-old Erica Tibbs of Alexandria died from her injuries.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the case to call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS or through the P3 Tips mobile app. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards.
Victim specialists from the Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure Jones’ family receives appropriate resources and assistance.
Police said all information is based on preliminary investigative findings and may be subject to revision as the investigation continues.
