Hit-and-Run Driver Sought
City of Fairfax Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the vehicle and driver involved in a traffic crash that critically injured a pedestrian. The incident occurred last Friday, June 15, around 10:40 p.m. Police say a 33-year-old Fairfax man was walking on the sidewalk on Fairfax Boulevard at Warwick Avenue when a vehicle traveling east on Fairfax Boulevard left the roadway and struck him. The impact propelled him more than 50 feet into a parked vehicle.
The striking vehicle then left the scene, continuing east on Fairfax Boulevard. The victim was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital and admitted in critical condition. Police are now looking for a light-colored SUV with damage to the front end, including the headlights. Anyone with information about this crash, the driver or the vehicle involved is asked to contact police at 703-385-7924.
Parkway Gets New Number
The Fairfax County Parkway has been changed from Route 7100 to Route 286. It’s because the parkway was re-classified as a primary road, rather than a secondary road, in the state system. This way, it will be eligible for federal funding for repairs. Virginia also spends more money on primary-road maintenance than it does to maintain secondary roads. So Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) successfully had the Fairfax County Parkway re-designated. Road signs will include both numbers for at least a year and a full repaving will begin this summer.
Swim Coach Charged for Indecent Liberties With a Minor
A local swim coach has been charged for allegedly having inappropriate sexual contact with a minor back in 2001. On Wednesday, June 13, police took a report alleging the swim coach victim had inappropriate sexual contact with the victim in 2001 while she attended James Madison High School. The suspect was employed by the school as a swim coach at the time. The victim was 17 years old and the suspect 29 years old at the time the incidents occurred.
An investigation led to the arrest of the coach, Noah Rucker, 39, of 9125 Big Springs Loop in Bristow, on Friday, June 15. He was charged with three counts of indecent liberties with a minor while in a custodial and/or supervisory position.
Rucker currently coaches swimmers throughout the region. Anyone with additional information to report is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text "TIP187" plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Free 4th of July Cab Rides
In response to Independence Day being that U.S. holiday when nearly 40-percent of all traffic deaths are alcohol-related, a local nonprofit group will be offering free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout Fairfax County, Virginia this Fourth of July.
Offered by the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the Independence Day SoberRide program will be in operation beginning at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4 and continue until 4 a.m. the following day (July 5) as a way to keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk holiday.
During this six-hour period, area residents celebrating with alcohol may call the toll-free SoberRide phone number 1 – 800 – 200 – TAXI and be afforded a no-cost (up to a $ 30 fare), safe way home.
Local taxicab companies throughout the Washington-metropolitan area provide this no-cost service to local residents age 21 and older who otherwise may have attempted to drive home after drinking.
oberRide is offered in the District of Columbia; throughout the Maryland counties of Montgomery and Prince George’s; and throughout the Northern Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax, (eastern) Loudoun and Prince William.