WASHINGTON — DC Police are investigating after a pedestrian was hit and killed on southbound Interstate 295 Monday morning. Further investigation found the man killed was the victim of a hit-and-run crash.
A preliminary investigation found that at about 3:18 a.m., a silver 2001 Toyota Carolla was parked on the left shoulder with its hazard lights on for what appeared to be a mechanical issues on the interstate. The owner of the Toyota was standing outside his car on the passenger side when he was hit by an unknown vehicle. The striking vehicle left the scene.
The person hit has been identified as 30-year-old Rhyes Patrick-James Harris, of Alexandria, Virginia.
The striking vehicle has been described as possibly being a 1999 to 2003 Ford Windstar minivan, however the color is not known. The vehicle may have a broken windshield and a missing driver's side headlight. Police released photos of similar vehicles, but not the actual vehicle.
Anyone who may have information about this crash is asked to call MPD at 202-727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411.
In 2022, 141 people were killed while walking or biking in the DMV — 130 pedestrians and 11 bicyclists. That's a 37% increase compared to 2021. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) spring Street Smart campaign not only aims to call attention to the stories of people behind the numbers, but also combines public outreach with increased traffic law enforcement to enact change. The campaign runs through May 14.