Police: I-95 Hit and Run Suspect Had 3-Year-Old in Car

Prince William County Police stopped a woman Saturday night after observing extensive damage to her car. They found the airbags deployed and the suspect’s 3-year-old in the car.

Rachel Diane Brand, 26, of the 12000 block of Cardamon Drive, Woodbridge, is charged with felony child neglect and driving under the influence. She likely faces additional charges for a suspected hit and run on Interstate 95.

At 8:38 p.m. Saturday, an officer was patrolling the area of Prince William County Parkway and Elm Farm Way, near the parkway intersection with Minnieville Road. He observed Brand’s vehicle with extensive damage to its side.

At one point, the officer observed the vehicle leave the travel lane and strike a construction barrel, according to police spokesperson Officer Jonathan Perok. Brand was pulled over and the officer determined she was under the influence of alcohol, according to Perok.

The child was checked out by rescue personnel. No injuries were found and the girl was released to a family friend.

Brand was later connected to a Virginia State Police investigation into a hit and run crash on I-95, according to PWCPD.