Injured Officer Long 'Junior' V. Dinh Remains Hospitalized Two Weeks After Head-on Crash

Fairfax County police have released the name of the police officer from the Mason District station who was injured in a fatal head-on crash on Thursday, Feb. 28.

Officer Long "Junior" V. Dinh, remains hospitalized after suffering severe injuries in last month's crash. A car struck his police cruiser after police responded to a domestic call in the 4800 block of Tapestry Drive. Police attempted to speak to a man leaving the address at the time, but later drove away when police asked him to step out of his vehicle. Police pursued the man on Little River Turnpike and it was while Dinh was sitting in his cruiser in the westbound lanes that 40-year-old Cicero I. Limberea, who was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes, struck the police cruiser head-on. Limberea died at the scene.

Dinh had to be cut of out the police cruiser to be treated for his injuries following the crash and was immediately rushed to a local hospital where he continues to recover.

A blog post on a website set up for family and friends to follow Dinh's progress states that Dinh is "progressing amazingly" and moving around somewhat, but is still unable to talk. The website also says residents can show their support for Dinh by adding a blue ribbon to a mailbox or a tree and sending a photo of the ribbon and it will be posted in a gallery on the website.

Capt. Gun Lee, former commander of the Mason District Station, told members at a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting on March 5 that Dinh was recovering from a second surgery and is surrounded by family and friends.

Fairfax Lodge 77, a local chapter of the National Fraternal Order of Police, has established a rehabilitation fund for the officer through PayPal. Donations can also be sent in by mail to 1921 Gallows Rd, Suite 750 Vienna, Va 22182. Checks can be made out to FOP Fairfax Lodge 77 memo: Mason Station officer donation, or dropped off at any Fairfax County district station.

Related stories:

• Capt. Lee: Injured Mason District Officer 'Has Long Recovery Road Ahead'
• Mason District Station Officer Injured in Collision Remains in Stable Condition