Takoma Park Man Killed in Fairfax County, VA, Crash

TAKOMA PARK, MD — A Takoma Park man died early Tuesday when the van he was a passenger in crashed into a tree in Fairfax County Virginia. The single-vehicle crash happened just after 2 a.m. on Centreville Road near the intersection of Bradenton Drive, according to Fairfax County Police.

A white, 1987 Chevrolet van that had left the roadway and struck a tree. Jose L. Merida, 43, of Takoma Park, Maryland, was in the front passenger seat; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 53-year-old, Centreville, Virginia, woman, was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Fairfax County Police Department is investigating. Authorities said neither speed nor alcohol appear to be factors in the crash. It is unknown if any charges will be filed.

Police ask anyone who might have seen the crash call 703-280-0543, or contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES (274637) or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.