Updates on local pedestrian hit and run cases
As first reported by NBC4 Washington, a man who pled guilty to a hit and run crash that killed a Lorton resident along Old Colchester Road back in February 2020 was sentenced April 12 to the maximum penalty – 10 years in prison with two years suspended on active probation. The victim, Joseph Lanza, age 28, was struck as he tried to slow down the driver, Guillermo Vazquez, near Lanza’s home. Vazquez, who turned himself in a few days later, was charged with felony hit and run, according to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), and was released on $2,500 bond. News4’s Julie Carey reported that court documents showed that Vazquez continued to rack up traffic offenses following the 2020 incident.
NBC4 Washington also reported from a candlelight vigil that took place April 13 in Hybla Valley in memory of James Johnson, age 63, who was killed by a hit and run driver along Janna Lee Avenue in March. FCPD is still searching for the driver who reportedly had been operating a stolen black 2015 Hyundai Sonata but fled on foot after striking Johnson at Creekside Village apartments and crashing into a dumpster. Johnson’s family members and friends held the vigil to remember their loved one and to keep public attention focused on the case, reported News4’s Dominique Moody.
Groveton home demolished in preparation for Richmond Highway BRT
A vacant residential property acquired by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) more than a year ago was demolished recently in preparation for the construction of the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The home was located at 3101 Collard Street, adjacent to Richmond Highway. Another house directly across the street at 3100 Collard Street is also slated to be leveled soon, according to FCDOT.
Army nears completion of maintenance facility in Franconia District
The Humphreys Engineer Center Maintenance and Supply Facility, under construction near the corner of Jeff Todd Way and Telegraph Road for the past couple of years, is expected to be complete this fall. According to information obtained by the office of Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, the facility is slated to be ready and operational in October 2024. There will be no ribbon-cutting ceremony.
County seeks artist for mural project
Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk and the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services have issued a call for artists to help design and paint the mural on the façade of the Hybla Valley Community Center. According to a related flyer, applications are due April 30, and the winner will be announced the week of May 20 in anticipation of completing the mural project by June 14.
April 17 is Purple Up Day for Month of the Military Child
In a video message posted earlier this month, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Michelle Reid and Fort Belvoir Commander Col. Joseph Messina joined students at Fort Belvoir Elementary School to kick off Month of the Military Child. Wednesday, April 17 is Purple Up Day, said Messina, and he encouraged students from all FCPS schools to wear purple that day in support of kids from military families.
Reminders:
- The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will hold a Public Hearing on the FY 2025 Effective Tax Rate Increase, Tuesday, April 16 at 3 p.m. in the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax. At 4 p.m., the Board will kick off its Budget Public Hearings on the FY 2025 Advertised Budget Plan. The Public Hearings will continue April 17-18 at 3 p.m. They will also be streamed online.
- The McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market opens for the season Wednesday, April 17 at 8 a.m. at the Sherwood Regional Library parking lot.
