Speeding Driver Who Died In 4-Vehicle Crash Identified By Police

FAIRFAX, VA — Authorities have identified the man killed Friday afternoon in a chain-reaction crash involving a Fairfax County police cruiser on Braddock Road just south of the western campus of George Mason University in Fairfax.

Police said speed is likely a factor in the pileup happened just after 1 p.m. on Friday at Braddock Road and Prestwick Drive in Braddock.

The department said three vehicles were stopped at a red traffic signal in the eastbound lanes of Braddock Road when a Toyota Camry, traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound Braddock Road, struck a Fairfax County police cruiser that was stopped. The impact caused the cruiser to strike the vehicle in front of it, which was then pushed into a fourth vehicle.

The driver of the Toyota Camry, Dariush Bakhtiani, 57, of Centreville, was taken to the hospital in life-threatening condition and later pronounced dead, authorities said. The on-duty police officer driving the Fairfax County cruiser was taken to a hospital with injuries considered to be non-life-threatening.

• Related: Man Killed In Crash With Fairfax Co. Police Cruiser

Detectives continue to investigate if alcohol was a factor in the crash, a department news release said.

Anyone with information about the crash iis asked to call the Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web –Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward. Leave contact information if you want a detective to follow up with you.