Man arrested for motorcycle crash
Fairfax County Police arrested a man for causing a crash that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist on Leesburg Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads on March 10.
Jose Rigoberto Alvarenga Machado, 35, of Falls Church, was charged with failure to yield while making a left turn, the FCPD announced April 1. He was served a summons and released.
The motorcyclist, Alejandro Portillo, 19, of Arlington, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Portillo’s mother, Maribel Perez of Woodbridge, posted a request on GoFundMe seeking help with funeral expenses. “Alejandro was known and loved by many,” Perez writes. “He was very sweet and giving to all. Now it is time to show him the love in return to send him home properly and peacefully.”
According to crash reconstruction detectives, Machado was driving an Acura westbound on Leesburg Pike shortly after 11 p.m. When he attempted to turn left onto Glen Carlyn Drive, he entered the victim’s right-of-way. This caused Portillo, riding a 1996 Yamaha motorcycle, to collide with the Acura.
There have been eight traffic crash fatalities in the county to date in 2024. In 2023, there were three traffic crash fatalities year to date.
Failure to yield and immediately released?! How about negligent homicide or manslaughter?!
If the man wasn’t drunk and there was no additional evidence of excessive speed or any other foul play then I see no reason why he should sit in jail while awaiting a court date. While this appears to be negligent, accidents do happen and his outcome should be decided in court.