Fairfax — Suspect in Custody in Fair Oaks Fatal Hit and Run

Detectives have a man in custody for striking and killing a 75-year-old woman on Friday, April 14, near the intersection of Route 50 (Lee Jackson Memorial Highway) and Rugby Road, in Fairfax. Officers were called for the report around 10:15 a.m. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation determined she was crossing Rugby Road traveling eastbound. A 2016 Dodge Dart traveling southbound on Rugby Road struck her, then turned around and struck the victim a second time before leaving the scene. Crash Reconstruction and Homicide detectives responded to investigate. They are looking into the possibility the victim was intentionally run over. It does not appear the victim and suspect were known to each other — according to FCPD.

In an unrelated incident, officers were called to the 3900 block of Fair Ridge Drive around 12:45 p.m. A 43-year-old woman reported a man was in the shopping center acting strangely. She took a picture of him. He became agitated, then assaulted her and went into one of the businesses. Officers found him inside and took him into custody. As they were investigating, one officer noticed front-end damage on his car in the parking lot. Further investigation determined he was also involved in this morning’s fatal crash. A 31-year-old Fairfax resident was taken to the Adult Detention Center and charged with felony hit and run and robbery.

The victim has been identified as Maria Ascencio, 75, of Zelkova Court, in Fairfax. Her family has been notified and police are working with them to provide assistance as needed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131 or Crimes Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637).

Britepaths to Host Artful Living Fundraiser

Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread) will host its third annual Artful Living: An Evening of Art, Wine and Strengthening Community, in association with the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival. The theme is “Resilience.” The evening will include a juried art show with works by local artists for sale, live music by local Latin-Jazz band Batida Diferente, a live charity auction, appetizers, wine and beer tastings. A Britepaths Financial Mentoring client who is now self-sufficient will share her story.

The event supports Britepaths’ work to provide emergency and self-sufficiency services to working families in the Fairfax County area who are struggling to make ends meet. A portion of proceeds will also benefit the Spotlight on the Arts Scholarship Fund. Artful Living takes place Saturday, April 22 from 7-10 p.m. at the Sherwood Center, 3740 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax. Tickets are $45 in advance through Britepaths’ web site and $50 at the door. Information and registration is available at britepaths.org. Contact info@britepaths.org or 703-273-8829.