Fatal Crash Into Pedestrian On Sidewalk Prompts Charge In Groveton

GROVETON, VA — A driver has been charged in a March 30 crash that killed a pedestrian on a sidewalk in Groveton.

According to Fairfax County Police, the crash happened around 9:22 p.m. on March 30 on Richmond Highway near Groveton Street. The driver of a 2017 Jeep Wrangler was trying to turn left onto Groveton Street from northbound Richmond Highway when a 2007 Mercedes C230 lost control and struck it. The Mercedes spun around several times and left the roadway, striking a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk.

The pedestrian, Samantha Jennings-Jones, was pronounced dead at the scene. It was Fairfax County's second pedestrian fatality this year.

Police say the Mercedes driver was traveling at an "excessive speed" in the crash. The driver, Luis Merino Berrios, 18, of Alexandria, was charged with reckless driving. He was released on a summons and has a court date scheduled.