Fairfax County, VA – A man is dead and another is in custody following a chaotic car crash and shooting Monday morning in the Dranesville area, according to Fairfax County Police.
Crash and Shooting Details
Neighbors reported that a red Prius was struck by another vehicle around 5 a.m. Monday in the 12700 block of Fantasia Drive. The collision caused the victim’s car to land on a neighboring front lawn.
Witnesses say the driver of the striking vehicle exited the car, pulled a gun, and fired multiple shots at the driver of the Prius before fleeing the scene.
Police Response and Manhunt
Officers located the suspect’s car about a block and a half away, but it was empty. Police set up a perimeter to track the suspect. Eventually, a man emerged from a wooded area and identified himself as the suspect. He was taken into custody, though police have not yet released his name or any charges.
Victim Details
The victim was transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. The driver’s side of the Prius showed extensive damage from the crash. Neighbors placed flowers near the scene in memory of the victim, who rented a room across the street.
One resident, Jhonatan Borda, made the 911 call and described seeing the victim in the car: “He was just laying across the whole front seat, the passenger side, and you know, I just saw bullet holes in his side.”
Roommates say the victim had just stepped into his car to go to work when the incident occurred. Borda added, “I know him as a kind, keeps-to-himself person, just someone living life day by day.”
Investigation and Community Reaction
Police have stated the shooting was targeted and not random, though a motive has not been revealed. Neighbors are left wondering about the relationship between the suspect and victim and the events leading up to the shooting.
Borda said of the neighborhood, “Here, in this neighborhood, it’s just not normal.”
Did you witness the crash or live near Fantasia Drive? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
