WASHINGTON, D.C. — After nearly three weeks of anguish and uncertainty, a D.C. family has finally received a measure of relief. The woman accused of hitting a 9-year-old boy with her car and fleeing the scene has been arrested and charged, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed.
The incident, which occurred on the morning of May 12, 2025, left young Zion Rawlings with serious injuries including a broken pelvis, bruised lungs, and a broken ankle. He had been walking through a parking lot on Minnesota Avenue NE with his father, Davion Rawlings, when an SUV struck him and sped away.
A Morning Turned Traumatic
The day began like any other. Davion was taking his son to school and had made a quick stop at a convenience store in a shopping center parking lot. Moments later, tragedy struck.
“She just kept going, like we were invisible,” Davion said, recalling the harrowing moment. “I kind of heard the car coming, tried to get out of the way—but when I looked back, my son was on the ground.”
Surveillance footage captured the shocking scene: a vehicle speeding through the mostly empty lot, hitting Zion, and fleeing without stopping. The video also showed Davion’s immediate reaction—a desperate sprint on foot, trying to chase down the SUV, followed by cries for help that echoed with panic and heartbreak.
A Lone Act of Compassion
While bystanders watched the chaos unfold, one woman stepped forward to help.
“She was the only person who took the initiative to pull out her phone and call 911,” Davion recalled. “Everyone else just stood there, watching me cry and pray.”
Thanks to that call, first responders were able to arrive quickly and rush Zion to the hospital. He remains under medical care, fighting through a long and painful recovery process.
Arrest Brings Some Relief
On June 1, police arrested 34-year-old Atoya Smith of Hyattsville, Maryland, in connection with the hit-and-run. She has been charged with leaving the scene of a collision, a serious offense that carries potential jail time and fines under D.C. law.
The Metropolitan Police Department said the arrest followed a thorough investigation, including surveillance footage, witness interviews, and forensic evidence. Authorities have not yet released further details on what led investigators to Smith, but the family says they are grateful to know that the case is moving forward.
Community Reaction and Call for Change
The incident has reignited concerns about pedestrian safety, especially around school zones and commercial areas. Community leaders and residents are calling for improved traffic enforcement, more visible signage, and stricter penalties for reckless drivers.
Davion hopes his family’s trauma will serve as a wake-up call.
“We’re not just a story. My son is still in a hospital bed, and we’re still praying he’ll walk the same again,” he said.
A Long Road Ahead
As the legal process begins, the Rawlings family is focused on Zion’s recovery—both physical and emotional. Though the arrest offers a sense of justice, their journey is far from over.
Still, the family is thankful for the support they’ve received from neighbors, medical staff, and that one stranger who made the call when it mattered most.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department’s tip line. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors review potential additional charges.
Leave a Reply