WASHINGTON, D.C. — A D.C. family is clinging to hope after a heartbreaking hit-and-run left their 9-year-old son, Zion, with severe injuries. As he lies in a hospital bed, connected to tubes and struggling to breathe, his parents are left grappling with one painful question: Why did the driver just leave him there?
The incident occurred just after 8 a.m. on Monday, in the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE, in the Deanwood neighborhood of Northeast Washington. What should have been a routine school drop-off turned into a nightmare that Zion’s family says they’ll never forget.
A Routine Morning Turns Tragic
Zion and his father, Davion Rawlings, were headed to school when they decided to make a quick stop at a local convenience store in a small shopping plaza. Seconds later, Rawlings turned to find his son lying in the street, struck by a dark blue or gray SUV that had just sped off.
“I look back, and my son is on the ground,” Rawlings recalled. “She ran over my son and kept going. As I go chase the car, I try to stop her, but I realize my son is lying on the ground.”
The vehicle — believed to be driven by a middle-aged woman — did not stop. It fled the scene, leaving behind a badly injured child and a devastated father.
Severe Injuries and a Long Road Ahead
Zion was rushed to Children’s National Hospital, where doctors are treating him for multiple traumatic injuries. His father broke down as he described the extent of the damage.
“He broke his pelvis, he has a broken ankle, bruised lungs — so they’ve got him on a tube to help him breathe,” Rawlings said. “His face is swollen on the right side. He’s in pain, a lot of pain.”
His mother, Tiffany Chambers, sat by his bedside, comforting her son and finding strength in his resilience. “Just how strong he is, how much we love him,” she said, trying to remain hopeful. “It makes us happy he’s able to breathe, to smile again.”
The family is now focused on Zion’s recovery, but they’re also seeking justice for what happened. “He didn’t deserve this,” Chambers said. “No child does.”
A Stranger Steps In
In the chaos and heartbreak of the moment, one bright spot stood out — a good Samaritan who stopped to help.
“It was a wonderful woman that came,” Rawlings said. “I don’t know her name, but if she’s seeing this, I want to say thank you. She was the only person who took the initiative to call 911.”
That woman’s quick action ensured that emergency medical services arrived promptly, giving Zion the best chance for survival.
Police Seeking Public Help
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incident and is asking the public to help identify the vehicle and driver involved. According to police, the suspect’s SUV is a dark blue or gray vehicle, possibly with damage from the collision. The license plate is unknown, and the driver was described as a middle-aged woman.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Whether it’s a tip from a witness, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, or dashcam video from another driver, investigators believe the public holds the key to solving this case.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver responsible for the hit-and-run.
Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling (202) 727-9099 or texting 50411.
A Community Outraged
As news of the hit-and-run spreads, the community is expressing both sorrow and outrage. Many residents have taken to social media to share their support for Zion and his family, while also voicing concern about reckless driving and lack of accountability on D.C. streets.
Local leaders and advocates say this case highlights broader concerns about pedestrian safety, especially for children walking to and from school. Minnesota Avenue is a heavily trafficked corridor, and while efforts have been made in recent years to improve traffic control, incidents like this show there is more work to be done.
“This is not just about one incident,” said one community member. “It’s about making sure our streets are safe for everyone — especially our kids.”
Parents Struggling With Unanswered Questions
As they sit beside their son in the hospital, Zion’s parents are left not only with fear for his future but with deep emotional wounds from the fact that someone could strike a child and simply drive away.
“How do I explain to my son that the person who hit him just left him there?” Rawlings asked. “That someone could look at a child on the ground and not even stop?”
Their focus now is on healing — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While Zion’s road to recovery is uncertain, his parents remain by his side every step of the way, hoping for progress each day.
How You Can Help
Police and the family are pleading with the public to assist in the investigation. Even the smallest detail could make a difference. Here’s how you can help:
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Review any security footage from the area around Minnesota Avenue NE and the 4000 block from the morning of Monday, May 12
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If you were driving through the area, check dashcam footage for potential clues
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Report any tips, no matter how small, to MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411
You could be the person who helps bring closure to a grieving family and ensures accountability for an act that has shaken a community.
As of now, Zion remains hospitalized at Children’s National Hospital, surrounded by loved ones and supported by an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes. His family says they are grateful for the support but determined to keep seeking answers until justice is served.
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