Authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Tuesday evening along Richmond Highway in Prince William County, Virginia.
According to the Prince William County Police Department, officers responded around 6 p.m. on February 17 to reports of a pedestrian struck in the southbound lanes near Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge.
Police identified the victim as 70-year-old Julio Carlos Cruz Merino of Woodbridge. Investigators say he was attempting to cross the highway at the time of the incident. Authorities noted that he was not in a designated crosswalk or marked crossing area when the collision occurred.
The vehicle involved was identified as a 2025 Toyota Camry driven by a 19-year-old. Police stated that the driver remained at the scene and was not injured.
Emergency medical personnel transported Cruz Merino to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The Prince William County Police Department has confirmed that the incident remains under active investigation. Detectives are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash, including roadway conditions, lighting, and traffic patterns during the evening rush hour.
Officials remind pedestrians to use marked crosswalks and follow traffic signals whenever possible, especially along heavily traveled roadways. Drivers are also encouraged to remain attentive, particularly during peak traffic hours when visibility and congestion may increase the risk of collisions.
Authorities have not announced any charges at this time. Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.
