DWI Suspect Hits Fairfax County Police Cruiser On I-95: Police

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — An Arizona man faces multiple charges after police say he crashed into a Fairfax County police cruiser while an officer was conducting a traffic stop early Sunday morning on Interstate 95 in Springfield.

Pedro Javier Patraca Jacome, 26, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI refusal, an open-container violation, failure to move over for an emergency vehicle and obstruction of justice, according to a Monday Fairfax County Police Department news release.

The crash occurred around 4:15 a.m. Sunday, on southbound I-95 near Fairfax County Parkway. An officer assigned to the department's DWI Squad had pulled over a driver for reckless driving, police said.

Police Cruiser Struck From Behind During Traffic Stop

While the officer was outside the marked police cruiser speaking with the driver, a GMC Sierra driven by Jacome struck the cruiser from behind, according to police.

The cruiser was unoccupied at the time, and its emergency lights and equipment were activated.

No injuries were reported.

The vehicle involved in the original traffic stop was not struck and was subsequently released, police said.

Jacome was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where he was charged with the five offenses. He was later released on an unsecured bond, according to police.

The charges are allegations, and Jacome is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Fairfax County Police Remind Drivers Of Move Over Law

Following the crash, Fairfax County police reminded motorists of Virginia's Move Over law, which requires drivers approaching stationary vehicles displaying flashing emergency or hazard lights to change lanes when it is safe to do so.

Drivers who cannot safely change lanes must slow down and proceed with caution.

The law applies to police vehicles, fire and rescue vehicles, tow trucks, highway maintenance crews and other vehicles stopped along the roadside with activated warning lights.

Virginia expanded the law in 2023 to include all vehicles stopped on the shoulder with hazard lights, flares or caution signs, rather than limiting its protections to traditional emergency vehicles.

Police said the crash illustrates the risks officers face while conducting traffic stops and responding to emergencies along busy highways.

The department also emphasized that impaired driving enforcement remains a year-round priority in Fairfax County.

Police encouraged drivers to arrange sober transportation before drinking, avoid riding with impaired drivers and call 911 if they observe a motorist who appears to be driving under the influence.