Driver Charged in Crash With School Bus

The driver of a car that hit a Fairfax County School bus on Dec. 13 has been charged with reckless driving.

Fairfax County Police say Erika Austin, 40, of Reston was driving her 2003 Kia Spectra about 8:10 a.m. on Dec. 13 when she rear-ended the bus at South Lakes Drive and South Lakes Court.

Austin was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Four children on the bus were also taken to Reston Hospital Center for minor injuries, police said.

In other area crime news:

GRAFFITI  - Police report graffiti incidents at Herndon High School and South Lakes High School. 

On Dec. 15, a security officer reported graffiti found on a sign in front of HHS. A work order was submitted to remove the paint. On Dec. 16, police received a report of words painted on the side of a school bus parked at SLHS.

ASSAULT - A man was standing near his home in the 12200 block of Nutmeg Lane at 8 p.m. on Dec. 16 when someone approached and asked for a dollar. The victim waved him off and was punched, he told police.

Several teenagers joined in kicking the victim. The victim was transported with non life-threatening injuries.

ROBBERY - A suspect approached a man standing in the 1600 block of Becontree Lane at 10 p.m. on Dec. 17.  

 The man told police the suspects asked for a cigarette. The suspect then brandished a handgun and demanded cash. The suspect and possibly two others fled. The suspect was described as a black male, 20-22 years old, 5’6” to 6’ tall and 150 to 175 lbs.

SEX OFFENSE - A 19-year-old woman told police she was assaulted while walking to work at Bowman Towne Drive and Reston Parkway at 9 p.m. on Dec. 18.

She said a man walking in the opposite direction stopped and engaged her in conversation. He touched her inappropriately before she fled.

Information provided by Fairfax County Police. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.

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