James A. Puryear, 50, of Alexandria, turned himself in Thursday morning, October 30, 2025, at the Prince William – Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center. Puryear is charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred nearly two years ago on Interstate 95 southbound in Prince William County.
The crash happened at 5:05 a.m. on November 19, 2023, near the 158-mile marker. Investigators say a 2005 Infiniti G35 sideswiped a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer, causing it to leave the roadway, hit a guardrail, and strike a support column. The truck driver, Trenton E. Schnakenberg, 31, of Caret, died at the scene. The driver of the Infiniti fled before authorities arrived.
Puryear is now facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, felony hit and run resulting in injury or death, and possession with intent to manufacture or sell a Schedule I/II controlled substance. His initial court hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 3.
Virginia State Police say Puryear’s arrest was the result of a multi-agency investigation that included the U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force. Authorities emphasized the case as an example of successful interagency cooperation to deliver justice for victims and their families.
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