Fairfax County Fire Chief Involved in Crash

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- The chief of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Richard Bowers, was involved in a crash Thursday morning, Fairfax County Police reported Thursday afternoon.

Bowers called the Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) Thursday morning at about 8 a.m. to report that he had just been involved in a motor vehicle crash on Lee Highway (Rt. 29) at the intersection of the Fairfax County Parkway (Rt. 286), police said.

Patrol officers from the Fair Oaks District Station responded and located the crash. The investigation is underway. Bowers was on-duty, operating his assigned county vehicle, a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, southbound on the Rt. 29 ramp approaching the ramp to northbound Rt. 286, according to police.

The other vehicle involved was a 2002 BMW, driven by a 36-year-old man from the Fairfax area. The BMW was on the northbound Rt. 286 ramp approaching Rt. 29. The front of the Tahoe collided with the right side of the BMW, in the intersection, police said.

The driver of the BMW was transported to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Bowers was not injured, according to police.

Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department Crash Reconstruction Unit are assisting with the crash investigation. An administrative investigation will be conducted by the Deputy County Executive for Public Safety, David M. Rohrer.

Anyone who witnessed this crash, or who has information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)** or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

**Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg & data rates may apply. Go to crimesolvers.net for Terms & Conditions.

PHOTO: Fairfax County Fire Chief Richard Bowers; official photo from Fairfax County