Leesburg man charged in serious crash investigation

Pursuant to an investigation, 76-year-old Gene Harrison of Leesburg has been charged with reckless driving.

The charges stem from a crash which occurred on Feb. 2, shortly after 6 p.m., in the area of the Leesburg Public Safety Center (65 Plaza Street NE) involving two adult female pedestrians who were struck by a vehicle. 

The preliminary investigation determined that a vehicle being driven northbound on Plaza Street NE by an adult male had stopped for two adult female pedestrians who were crossing Plaza Street NE in a marked crosswalk.  A second vehicle being driven northbound on Plaza Street NE by Harrison struck the rear of the stopped vehicle.  The stopped vehicle then impacted both pedestrians. 

Those injured as a result of the crash continue to recover from their injuries. 

The Leesburg Police Department Traffic Management Unit is investigating a serious crash that occurred yesterday evening.

On Feb. 2, shortly after 6 p.m., Leesburg Police Dispatchers received reports of a crash in the area of the Leesburg Public Safety Center (65 Plaza Street NE) involving two adult female pedestrians who were struck by a vehicle. 

The first responding Leesburg Police Officer to arrive on-scene determined that one of the pedestrians was entrapped under a vehicle.  The officer and civilian bystanders lifted the vehicle off of the entrapped pedestrian and freed her.  Officers provided medical treatment until Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System personnel arrived and took over medical care. 

The preliminary investigation determined that a vehicle being driven northbound on Plaza Street NE by an adult male had stopped for two adult female pedestrians who were crossing Plaza Street NE in a marked crosswalk.  A second vehicle being driven northbound on Plaza Street NE by an adult male struck the rear of the stopped vehicle.  The stopped vehicle then impacted both pedestrians. 

Both pedestrians and the driver of the stopped vehicle were transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment.  As of last night, the driver and one of the pedestrians were being treated for minor injuries.  As of this morning, the other pedestrian is listed as being in stable condition.  The other driver remained on-scene and is cooperating with police.

We would like to thank the civilian bystanders that assisted our officers yesterday evening.

The crash remains under investigation by the Leesburg Police Department TMU.  Anyone who witnessed the crash and who has not already spoken to law enforcement is asked to contact Officer S. Winkler at 703-771-4564 or at swinkler@leesburgva.gov or Officer T. Lotz at 703-771-4578 or at tlotz@leesburgva.gov.  If you wish to remain anonymous, call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS (8477).  Information can also be sent using TIPSUBMIT via text. Text 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your message with LPDTIP.