One of two drivers in deadly Virginia hit-and-run arrested

CATLETT, Va. — One of the drivers involved in a deadly hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian has been arrested.

A 73-year-old man, Garland J. Heddings, was crossing the road when he was struck twice by two cars driving in opposite lanes Friday evening. Both cars fled the scene. The incident happened at 5:45 p.m. the Elk Run Road portion of Route 806 near Flippo Lane in Catlett, Virginia.

Police have been investigating the crash since. And Wednesday, they were able to identify and arrest one of the drivers.

Dennis D. Dunning, 54, was arrested at his home on the 8000 block of Burwell Road in Fauquier. He has been charged with felony hit-and-run, involuntary manslaughter and operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock.

Ignition interlock systems are required for drivers that have been arrested for more than one DUI and require a driver to pass a breathalyzer in order to start their vehicle. According to Virginia court records, Dunning has been arrested for at least three DUIs and has been designated a habitual offender, among other offenses. He was previously arrested for driving without an ignition lock and his license was suspended for a year in 2021.

Dunning has been brought to the Fauquier Adult Detention Center. He is being held there without bond.

Police put out a lookout for the two cars on Sunday. Police have not said which car was driven by Dunning.

The first car that hit Heddings was an older model silver Nissan Frontier from 2001-2003. Police said the truck would likely have damage to its front and driver side. The second car is an unknown make and model, but police said it likely also has damage to the front end.

The crash is still under investigation. Police have not provided any description of the second driver.

Anyone who knows anything about this incident is being asked to contact Virginia State Police Senior Trooper J. Tanner at 540-347-6200, or send an email to questions@vsp.virginia.gov.