A Falls Church has admitted to leaving the scene after striking a motorcyclist on I-395 earlier this year.
Fullas Abebe, 45, pleaded guilty to a felony hit-and-run charge in Arlington County Circuit Court yesterday (Thursday).
A plea agreement recommends that Abebe serve between one day and six months in jail. Any sentence imposed by Judge Daniel Lopez would otherwise be capped at five years of active incarceration.
Abebe had initially been charged with failure to stop at the scene of a crash causing injury — a Class 5 felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, under state law.
Video of the incident, shared on X by local public safety watcher Dave Statter, shows a vehicle colliding with a motorcycle from behind while traveling southbound on I-395 near the Pentagon back in May.
After momentarily coming to a complete stop, the gray Honda Odyssey then pulls into another lane before rapidly accelerating away from the crash.
“Mr. Abebe, the driver, did not remain on scene, get out of his vehicle, leave his information, or attempt to aid the victim, as required by statute,” a statement of facts notes.
A state trooper arrived on scene to find the victim’s motorcycle on the ground and witnesses attending to his serious injuries, the statement says. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for significant road rash and spine fractures.
Make that 12:38 p.m., obviously.
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) May 26, 2024
Meanwhile, fellow motorcycle riders traveling behind the crash appeared to give chase to the fleeing driver. Law enforcement was able to track Abebe down later that day thanks to “information provided by a witness to the crash,” Virginia State Police said.
When officers met him as his residence, Abebe “seemed intoxicated,” the statement of facts says. No driving while intoxicated investigation was initiated, however.
According to the document, Abebe said to officers “Did I kill him? He hit his brakes on me. Did I kill him? You all might as well just lock me up.”
When police noted that Abebe’s vehicle was damaged and its airbags were deployed. He also had an injury to his leg.
The annual Rolling to Remember motorcycle rally was held the weekend of the crash, with a large gathering in the Pentagon North Parking Lot that morning. It was not immediately clear whether the victim was a participant.
Abebe’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 17 at 1 p.m.
