Va. highway safety worker struck by hit-and-run driver

SPRINGFIELD, Va. — A highway safety worker who was trying to protect a disabled motorist along Interstate 95 was struck by a hit-and-run driver, according to Virginia State Police.

Friday morning, approximately 6:20 a.m., a VDOT Safety Services Patrol unit had responded to help a car that was stopped in the northbound lanes of I-95 near Exit 166B — Fairfax County Parkway.

The employee, who is a man, parked his vehicle on the right shoulder, with its sign board and emergency lights flashing.

As the employee was setting out safety cones, he was struck by a green Ford Mustang traveling north on I-95. Police say the driver of the Mustang fled the scene.

Eyewitnesses and local police were able to locate the driver, and detained him for questioning.

The VDOT employee was transported to Fairfax Inova Hospital and is being treated for serious injuries.

Neal Augenstein

Neal Augenstein has been a reporter at WTOP since 1997. Through the years, Neal has covered many of the crimes and trials that have gripped the region. Neal's been pleased to receive awards over the years for hard news, feature reporting, use of sound and sports.


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