A man killed in a hit-and-run crash Thursday afternoon in Petworth was intentionally struck and the case is being considered a homicide, MPD officials said Friday morning on a district listserve.
WJLA last night identified the man as a 22-year-old.
According to initial reports, a man was struck at 14th and Webster streets NW at about 3:50 p.m. The vehicle involved was believed to be a 2003 maroon colored Jeep liberty missing most of its front grill. The license plate number was unknown.
Reported MPD’s Kimberly Chisley-Missouri:
The victim who was struck by the vehicle was pronounced [dead]. It has been determined the vehicle which struck the victim was done so deliberately therefore this case is being investigated by the Homicide Branch. The investigation into this matter continues and we ask that anyone with information call 1-888-919-CRIME.
The Washington Post reported Thursday afternoon that the man may have been deliberately run over. The victim “was fighting with other men in the block and was chased into the street,” reported the Post.
Reports WJLA:
Jacob Romero was in his corner apartment when he witnessed the melee. “I looked out the window and noticed they were fighting, three of them were hitting another on the ground,” Romero said in Spanish through a translator.
He says he called police and ran down the stairs, but it was too late too intervene. Sources say the man who was being beaten by three others managed to run out on to the street. But someone involved in the fight jumped the curb and ran him over.
“I heard the loud noise of the cars brakes, by the time I looked out the window, the car was driving away,” said Franklin Benitez.
According to WTOP, a woman was taken to the hospital from the scene of the crash as well. Her injuries were reported to be serious but not life-threatening, WTOP said.
