FAIRFAX COUNTY — Five people died in separate vehicle crashes in Fairfax County over a 48-hour period. These incidents included the deaths of four pedestrians and one motorcyclist.

The initial fatal crash occurred on a Wednesday in Lorton, involving a multivehicle collision that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist. In the 48 hours following this event, four pedestrians were killed in distinct incidents across Fairfax County.

Deputy Chief Dalton Becker stated, "In my 30 years, I don't remember this many within this short time span." One pedestrian fatality took place on Richmond Highway. Other locations where crashes occurred included Little River Turnpike, Gallows Road, and Leesburg Pike.

Police indicated that speed or reckless driving was a factor in all five crashes. Alcohol also contributed to some of the incidents. The involved pedestrians were not within designated crosswalks at the time of the collisions.

On Friday morning in Franconia, a police officer sustained injuries when a vehicle struck the rear of the officer's patrol car. The patrol vehicle was positioned in a travel lane with its emergency lights activated. The driver who struck the patrol vehicle received citations for reckless driving and driving without a license. The injured officer received medical treatment before being released.

Officers distributed safety pamphlets and reflective armbands to pedestrians on Friday. Becker said, "There's five, at least five families today that are grieving, and they're not as lucky as our patrol officer earlier today that went home with some back spasms and some scratches."