A 24-year-old New York man who was fleeing a Sterling store after allegedly attempting to shoplift items was struck by his own vehicle Sunday just outside the business.
No charges are pending against him because the store declined to prosecute; however, Robert V. Lyons, the 46-year-old Florida driver who struck him, is charged with reckless driving.
The 24-year-old, whose name has not been released by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, was last listed in critical condition at Inova Fairfax.
According to a report from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the 24-year-old was confronted by Wal-Mart personnel in the store at about 12:22 p.m. on June 10 for concealing ear buds and blue jeans.
In response, the man returned the items, left the store and drove out of the parking lot in a 1994 Ford F150 pickup truck. However, on his way out of the parking lot, the truck’s muffler dislodged.
When the man pulled behind the store and got out to fix the muffler, a 46-year-old passenger drove the truck forward, reportedly at the 24-year-old’s request, and struck him.
After being hit, the 24-year-old returned to the truck and drove a short distance before stopping and contacting emergency personnel. He was later airlifted from the scene.
Both men were in Sterling for construction work involving the renovation of a nearby hotel.
Authorities are investigating the incident.
