Fairfax Man Charged in Fatal Car Crash

Police say he was drunk and driving 110 mph.

In the early-morning hours of Dec. 5, 2023, a violent car crash in Centreville killed a 30-year-old man and sent another to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Last week, Fairfax County police charged Gabriel Rincon, 22, of Fairfax in connection with the fatality.

Following the crash, police officers from the Sully District Station responded at 12:04 a.m. to the intersection of Route 29 and Clifton Road in Centreville. There, they found a 2013 BMW M3 and a 2012 Hyundai Sonata with severe damage. 

According to police, detectives preliminarily determined that the BMW’s driver – whom they’ve now identified as Rincon – was traveling southbound on Stringfellow Road, approaching its intersection with Route 29. (Across Route 29 there, Stringfellow becomes Clifton Road).

Police say the BMW “struck the Hyundai, which Sohail Iqbal of Manassas was driving southbound on Route 29. The collision forced the Hyundai across the intersection, onto the embankment and into a concrete, utility-pole foundation.”

Iqbal died after the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene, and Rincon was taken to the hospital. Police initially believed speed was a factor in this fatal collision, and detectives from the Crash Reconstruction Unit continued to investigate whether alcohol was a factor, as well.

Now, police have revealed their investigation determined that Rincon was allegedly driving more than 110 miles per hour on Stringfellow Road – a 45-mph zone – before the two vehicles collided near the Route 29 intersection. They further allege that “Rincon was intoxicated at the time of the crash.”

As a result, they arrested him last week and charged him with DUI-related manslaughter and reckless driving. Since this involuntary manslaughter charge is a Class 5 criminal felony, if convicted Rincon could receive anywhere from one to 10 years in prison, plus a fine of up to $2,500. Reckless driving is a civil traffic charge.

Police say Rincon turned himself in at the Fairfax County Detention Center and was later released on his own personal recognizance. He has a June 10 court date.

Meanwhile, anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).