MetroAccess driver charged with sexual assault

A van driver working for MetroAccess, a transit service for people with disabilities, has been charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a 51-year-old woman, the Fairfax County Police Department reported Aug. 11. The assault happened June 28 in the 3400 block of Carlin Springs Road in Bailey’s Crossroads.

According to sex crimes detectives, the victim used MetroAccess to get work on June 27. Later that day, she realized she lost her cell phone and contacted the paratransit service to report it. The next day, around 3 p.m., a MetroAccess van pulled up in her apartment complex parking lot.

The driver, the same one who had given her a ride the day before, knocked on her door, told her he was returning her phone, and asked to use her bathroom. He then asked for a hug. She declined, but the suspect hugged her anyway, then took her into another room and allegedly began to sexually assault her. The victim was able to push him away and the suspect left.

Pino Estrada [FCPD]

Two days later, the victim reported the incident to her counselor, who encouraged her to report it to police. After a comprehensive investigation, detectives from the Major Crimes department obtained a criminal warrant charging Jose G. Pino Estrada, 35, of Alexandria, with rape.

Pino Estrada turned himself in on Aug. 10. He was arrested and taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. He was fired from his job at Diamond Transportation, which provides MetroAccess services under contract to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Detectives believe there may be other victims. Anyone with knowledge of similar incidents should contact FCPD, 703-691-2131, or Crime Solvers, 866-411-TIPS/8477.