Police seek witnesses in fatal crash

It was during a peak hour of traffic last week when 13-year-old Prabhdeep Ranahawa was struck and killed by a car.

Investigators have spoken with multiple witnesses, but are seeking anyone who can help fill the missing informational gaps in the case, said Officer Brian D. Gardner with the Prince William County Police Department's crash investigation unit.

"At 6:45 in the evening there's got to be more witnesses," Gardner said. "And we're not concerned that they did not come forward immediately. Some may think what they witnessed is insignificant, but that may not be the case."

Around 6:45 p.m. July 29, police say a blue 2003 BMW 320i struck the Dale City boy, who was apparently crossing Hoadly Road near Olivewood Drive on his bicycle. He died at the scene.

Investigators have gathered strong physical evidence, Gardner said, but are still trying to determine what direction he was coming from and where he was going.

Gardner said it is believed that at least one man was asked to leave the scene before police arrived and hopes he and anyone else that may have happened to see the accident will come forward.

"I'm sure there was mass confusion," he said. "Any incident involving a child is tragic."

No charges have been filed against the driver of the BMW, a 61-year-old Manassas woman, police said.

The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney is reviewing the case, police said.

Ranahawa was not wearing a helmet and there was no designated crossing at the intersection where the collision occurred.

Police advise that all bicyclists wear helmets and all pedestrians and bicyclists use designated crossings.

Anyone with information about this incident or who may have seen the boy bicycling in the area around the time of the accident is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 703-792-6500 or Officer Brian D. Gardner at 703-792-4443.

Staff writer Elisa Glushefski can be reached at 703-878-8062.