WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 10-year-old boy is recovering in the hospital after being struck by a moped in a hit-and-run incident in Northwest Washington, D.C., on Monday afternoon. The child’s family is now speaking out and pleading for justice as police continue to search for the suspect.

The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 2, in the 3000 block of Warder Street NW, according to D.C. Police. Officers responded to reports of a collision involving a child and a moped near an alley frequently used by pedestrians as a crosswalk.

What Happened

According to police and witness accounts, 10-year-old Zaevion Smith was riding a push scooter with a family member in the area when he attempted to cross the street using the alley. At that moment, a man driving a black moped scooter sped through and struck Zaevion.

A woman who was riding with the boy at the time said both the victim and the moped driver fell during the impact. The moped driver, however, got up, retrieved his vehicle, and quickly fled the scene—leaving Zaevion lying injured on the pavement.

“He just picked up his moped and drove away, like nothing happened,” she said.

The Aftermath

Emergency responders from D.C. Fire and EMS (DCFEMS) arrived on the scene shortly after and transported Zaevion to a nearby hospital. According to police reports, the boy suffered a fractured right leg and sustained scratches and abrasions all over his body.

FOX 5 spoke directly with Zaevion and his mother, Lapira Smith, from the hospital where the boy is still recovering following emergency surgery.

“It’s something no mom would want to see,” Smith said, describing the terrifying moment she received a phone call that her son had been hit.

Smith said she rushed home, only to find out her child had been struck by someone on a moped while riding his scooter in an alley with his sister.

“When I got to the hospital, he was in a neck brace. They had all these wires hooked up to him,” she recalled. “He had his bone literally sticking out when he was laid out on the concrete.”

Doctors have told the family that Zaevion may not be able to walk for at least a month, and he is currently using a wheelchair during recovery.

Community Outrage

Neighbors who witnessed the collision managed to capture photos of the fleeing moped driver, which were shared with police. The suspect has not been identified, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether the moped rider was working as a food delivery driver, although the family believes that may be the case.

“For him to leave my child there, on the ground, bleeding, with no regard—come on,” said Lapira Smith. “You put my child in a wheelchair. You can just go ahead and turn yourself in.”

Zaevion told FOX 5 that he was in shock when the incident happened.
“A motorcycle came from nowhere and hit me,” he said.

The Investigation

As of now, no arrests have been made, and police have not released a suspect description. Investigators are reviewing surveillance images and statements from witnesses in hopes of identifying the individual responsible.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is urging anyone with information to come forward. If you recognize the individual involved or have relevant details about the incident, you are encouraged to contact MPD at 202-727-9099.

A Call for Accountability

The Smith family is now focused on helping Zaevion recover while also demanding accountability for what happened. Lapira Smith hopes the driver will be identified and brought to justice.

“He’s just a kid,” she said. “For someone to do that to a child and not stop to help—it’s unforgivable.”

As Zaevion begins his recovery journey, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving in residential neighborhoods and the importance of community vigilance in ensuring justice is served.