Falls Church man pleads guilty to hit-and-run on I-395

And Falls Church later admitted to leaving the scene hit a motorcyclist on I-395 earlier this year.

Yesterday (Thursday), Fullas Abebe, 45, pleaded guilty to a hit-and-run charge in Arlington County District Court.

The plea agreement recommends that Abebe spend between one day and six months in prison. Otherwise, any sentence imposed by Judge Daniel Lopez would be limited to five years of active imprisonment.

Abebe was initially charged with failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in injury, a Class 5 felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison under s. state law.

Video of the incident, shared on X by local public safety observer Dave Statter, shows a vehicle colliding with a motorcycle from behind while traveling southbound on I-395 near the Pentagon in May.

After momentarily coming to a complete stop, the gray Honda Odyssey swerves into another lane before rapidly accelerating away from the scene of the accident.

“Mr. Abebe, the driver, did not remain at the scene, exit the vehicle, leave information or attempt to assist the victim as required by law,” the statement of facts read.

A state trooper responded to the scene and found the victim’s motorcycle on the ground and witnesses attending to his serious injuries, the statement said. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for significant road rash and spinal fractures.

Of course, at 12:38.

— Dave Statter (@STATter911) May 26, 2024

Meanwhile, other motorcyclists following the crash appeared to give chase to the fleeing driver. Virginia State Police said law enforcement was able to track down Abebe later that day thanks to “information provided by a witness to the accident.”

When officers met him at his apartment, Abebe “appeared to be intoxicated,” the facts state. However, no investigation into the driving ban under the influence of alcohol was initiated.

The document says Abebe told officers: “Did I kill him? He slammed on the brake on me. Did I kill him? You might as well just lock me up.

When police noticed that Abebe’s vehicle was damaged and his airbags had deployed. He also suffered a leg injury.

The annual Rolling to Remember motorcycle rally took place took place over the weekend moment of the crash, which had 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 January 17 at 1 p.m