CITY OF FAIRFAX, Va. — A Maryland man has been charged in connection with a September crash on Pickett Road that killed a 13-year-old riding a pedal-assist e-bike, according to City of Fairfax police.
Lawrence Onley, 46, of Fort Washington, Maryland, was charged with careless driving and infliction of injury or death on vulnerable road users, a violation of Virginia Code § 46.2-816.1.
The crash happened Sept. 9 in the 3900 block of Pickett Road.
Police said a garbage truck was leaving a shopping center and preparing to enter Pickett Road when the collision occurred. Investigators determined the driver stopped at the exit and was looking to his left as the 13-year-old, riding an e-bike on the sidewalk, entered the crosswalk.
As the truck moved forward into the roadway, it struck the juvenile, according to police.
Officers responding to the crash found the child with life-threatening injuries. The juvenile was pronounced dead at the scene.
The case was initially investigated as a possible hit-and-run. Officers located a truck matching the description of the vehicle nearby and identified the driver.
As investigators gathered more information, however, police said they determined the driver was unaware at the time that the truck had struck the juvenile.
The circumstances of the crash were presented to both the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the City of Fairfax prosecutor for review.
Onley later voluntarily turned himself in and was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. He was issued a $1,500 secured bond.
He has a pending court date in City of Fairfax General District Court.
The charge is an allegation. Onley is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
