WASHINGTON, D.C. — A woman has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run incident that left a young boy hospitalized in critical condition. The child, who was on his way to school with his father, suffered serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.
Arrest Made in Hit-and-Run Case
On Wednesday, D.C. police announced the arrest of 34-year-old Atoya Smith, of Hyattsville, Maryland. Smith has been charged with leaving after colliding, following a two-week investigation into the May 12 incident.
Authorities say Smith was driving a dark-colored SUV when she entered a shopping center parking lot in the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE. There, she struck Zh’ion Chambers, a young boy who had stopped with his father at a nearby convenience store before heading to school.
After hitting Zh’ion, Smith reportedly drove off without offering assistance or stopping at the scene.
Child Critically Injured
Zh’ion was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors said he sustained a broken pelvis and ankle and required support from a breathing machine during the early days of his treatment.
According to his father, Davion Rawlings, the traumatic moment happened in an instant.
“She just kept going like we were invisible,” Rawlings said in an emotional interview.
He recounted how he initially tried to chase after the fleeing SUV but stopped when he saw his son lying unresponsive on the ground.
“I looked back and saw him there… I had to turn around,” he said.
Rawlings said Zh’ion was unconscious for at least 10 minutes following the collision.
Community Relief as Zh’ion Recovers
Following the arrest, the family shared an update on Zh’ion’s condition. After spending several days in the hospital, he is now back home and beginning his recovery.
While the physical healing process will take time, the emotional scars remain for the family.
The case has drawn significant attention from the local community, many of whom were shocked by the incident. Residents have since called for improved safety measures in the area, especially near school routes and shopping centers frequented by families and children.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Smith’s arrest marks a critical step in the case, but legal proceedings are just beginning. D.C. police and prosecutors have not yet announced additional charges, though investigations remain ongoing.
Leaving the scene of an accident—especially one involving injury—is a serious offense in Washington, D.C., and could result in both criminal penalties and civil liability.
As of now, no court date has been publicly released.
The Chambers family continues to focus on Zh’ion’s recovery and is grateful for the community support they’ve received. They hope justice will be served for the pain and trauma their son endured.
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