Driver Suspected In Hit-And Run Involving Police Officer Faces Potential Prison Time

ARLINGTON, VA — A 24-year-old Arlington man is facing a felony hit-and-run charge after the vehicle he was driving struck a police officer on Saturday, according to authorities.

Two Arlington County Police officers were outside their vehicles around 3:59 a.m., conducting a traffic stop in the 1600 block of South Eads Street when one of them was struck by a vehicle as it was passing by, according to the incident report. The vehicle continued on without passing.

The officer was taken to the hospital to be treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He was later released and is recovering at home, police said on Monday.

Investigators identified the driver after they located the vehicle that had struck the officer parked nearby and unoccupied. The suspect, identified as Anthony Aquice, turned himself in to authorities.

ACPD arrested Aquice, charging him with felony hit and run. He is being held at the Arlington County Detention Center without bond, according to police.

On Monday morning, Aquice was scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning in Arlington General District Court, but the hearing was continued to Friday morning, according to court records. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 9.

The failure to stop for an accident with injury charge is a Class 5 felony, according to the Virginia Code. If convicted, Aquice faces a potential sentence of one to 10 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

“This crash is a sobering reminder of the dangers officers can face each time they step onto the roadway to assist travelers, investigate crimes and conduct traffic enforcement,” said Chief Andy Penn, on Monday. “We all have a responsibility to protect those who protect us. I implore drivers to slow down and move over any time you see flashing blue, red or amber lights. It’s not only the law, it may also save a life.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).