Fairfax County police haven’t revealed why a Culpeper man was fleeing from authorities in his county, but the end result was a tragic crash that took his life, early last Saturday morning, in Centreville. Killed was Ashton Robinson, 39.

Police say the incident occurred April 22; officers responded at 1:18 a.m. to Route 29 and Bull Run Post Office Road after receiving a report of a two-vehicle crash there with one driver ejected. 

Preliminarily, detectives here determined that deputies from the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office had pursued Robinson – who was driving a 2011 Dodge Journey – after he drove away from a DWI checkpoint. 

According to police, Robinson entered Fairfax County traveling east on Route 29. They say he tried to pass a 2020 Toyota Camry but was unsuccessful. His SUV struck the Camry, left the road and crashed into a guardrail. He was ejected from the vehicle upon impact and was declared dead at the scene. 

The driver and passenger of the Camry were uninjured. Preliminarily, police say, “Speed and alcohol appear to be a factor” in this incident. They also noted that no Fairfax County officers were involved in the pursuit.

Meanwhile, detectives from this county’s Crash Reconstruction Unit are continuing to investigate the crash. Anyone with information about it is asked to contact them at 703-280-0543. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).