A driver and his passenger are dead and another passenger sustained life-threatening injuries after an early morning crash in the Merrifield area.

According to Fairfax County Police, an officer tried to stop the driver of a 1999 Dodge Neon for suspicion of driving while intoxicated  at around 1:50 a.m. this morning; the Neon was heading west on Hilltop Road when it attempted to flee. The Neon lost control near the intersection with Old Lee Highway and ran off the road, striking a tree.

While the crash remains under investigation, police say it appears that alcohol and speed were factors in the crash.