Man Arrested in Fatal Collision on Sudley Road Near Manassas

MANASSAS, VA — The driver of a tractor trailer that collided with a vehicle Aug. 5 and killed a 33-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday, according to Prince William County Police.

Thomas Pettinati, 53, of 13688 Sam Hill Drive in Mount Airy, Md., is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Fresia Danny Melo.

According to police, the driver of a RAV4 was trying to make a right onto southbound Sudley Road from Coverstone Drive when the vehicle collided with a tractor trailer, which had allegedly run a red light at the intersection.

Melo was passenger in the middle rear seat of the RAV 4. She was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle, according to police.

There were four other people in the vehicle, all from Manassas.

Two adults, including the driver, sustained minor injuries. They were identified as a 43-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman.

Two infants, a 3-year-old boy and a 2-year old boy, were uninjured.

Pettinati wasn't injured.

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