The U.S. Secret Service is currently on the lookout for a suspect involved in a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 75-year-old man and injured a child. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in downtown Washington D.C., as the suspect attempted to evade Secret Service officers.
According to Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, the driver responsible for this terrible incident fled from officers who had attempted to conduct a traffic stop due to the suspect’s vehicle having expired registration. Guglielmi expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and mentioned that authorities are actively working to locate the suspect.
In a statement made by Secret Service Uniformed Division Lt. Paul Mayhair, it was revealed that the encounter took place near the National Mall around 1:30 p.m. The suspect initially gave indications of stopping the vehicle but quickly changed course and fled the scene. In the process, the suspect ran a red light and struck multiple individuals in the crosswalk at the intersection of 17th Street NW and Constitution Avenue.
The Secret Service officers present at the scene acted promptly and provided assistance to the injured victim until emergency crews arrived. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the victim later succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital. The U.S. Park Police released a statement identifying the deceased as a 75-year-old male from Philadelphia who passed away after being transported to George Washington University Hospital.
The second victim, a 13-year-old girl, was also evaluated for injuries at the scene but was eventually released. It has been reported that the two victims are relatives. According to reports from Fox5DC and NBC News, the suspect’s vehicle involved in the hit-and-run is a 2006 blue Honda Accord.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the U.S. Park Police through their dedicated phone line at (202) 379-4877 or via email at uspp_tipline@nps.gov. The investigation is ongoing, and any assistance from the public could prove vital in capturing the suspect and bringing them to justice.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. The Secret Service and law enforcement agencies will continue their efforts to track down the suspect, providing some solace to the victim’s grieving family. As the search continues, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any relevant information that could aid in the investigation.
The loss of a life and the injury of a child in this hit-and-run incident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from dangerous driving behaviors. Society must strive to prioritize safety on the roads and hold accountable those who put others’ lives at risk. It serves as a call for stronger enforcement of traffic regulations and heightened awareness among drivers.
Ultimately, the hope is that the apprehension of the suspect responsible for this tragic incident will bring some closure to the victim’s family and contribute to preventing similar incidents in the future. Authorities will continue their diligent efforts to ensure justice is served and the community can heal from the pain caused by this senseless act.
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