DC Police: U Street Hit-and-Run Suspects May Be Linked to Series of Robberies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – D.C. police are actively investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred early Wednesday morning in Northwest Washington. Authorities believe the suspects involved may also be connected to a string of robberies that took place shortly before the deadly event.

Deadly Incident Follows Possible Robbery

According to police sources, the incident may have started as a robbery. Investigators suspect that the victim, believed to be in his 50s, had just withdrawn money from an ATM and was walking when he was struck. The collision happened at the intersection of 12th Street and U Street NW around 4:15 a.m.

Police allege that the driver of a white 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, bearing Maryland plates, intentionally targeted the man after observing him access cash. The SUV reportedly struck the victim at the crosswalk, dragging him nearly half a block.

Shocking Footage Captures the Moment

Surveillance video obtained by FOX 5 captures the harrowing moment of the incident. The footage shows the man noticing the vehicle turning toward him. Despite attempting to move out of the way, he is hit and dragged on the hood.

The video further shows the occupants of the SUV exiting the vehicle, appearing to take something from the victim as he lay injured on the ground. They then fled the scene. The victim has not yet been publicly identified.

Robbery Pattern Emerges

Police believe the individuals inside the SUV are connected to at least two other robberies that happened earlier that morning:

3:35 a.m. – Robbery at 17th and Irving Street NW
3:40 a.m. – Another reported robbery at 14th and Newton NW
4:15 a.m. – Fatal hit-and-run at 12th and U Street NW

Investigators are now working to determine whether the suspects returned to the same ATM following the hit-and-run to make further withdrawals using the victim’s information.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Search

The incident has left local residents stunned. Mandy Slutsker, a neighbor, told FOX 5:

“When I heard that it was actually someone who had passed, it’s very sad.”

The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department continues to search for the white 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and those involved. The investigation remains open and active.

Call for Information

Anyone with information related to the incident or the identity of the suspects is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department. Tips can be submitted anonymously.