The Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian hit and run crash that occurred early Wednesday morning in Northwest.
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Third District officers responded to the intersection of 12th Street and U Street, Northwest for the report of a crash. On scene officers located an adult male lying in the roadway unconscious and not breathing after being struck by a vehicle. After all lifesaving measures failed, he was pronounced dead.
The preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian was struck by a white Hyundai Santa Fe while in a marked crosswalk at the intersection. The striking vehicle fled the scene.
The decedent has been identified as 55-year-old Donnel Bracket Phillips, of Northeast, DC.
Detectives believe that prior to the crash the suspect vehicle was involved in the two robbery offenses listed below:
- Robbery Force and Violence: At approximately 3:37 a.m. multiple suspects approached the victim in the 1700 block of Irving Street, Northwest, forcibly stole property and fled the scene in a white SUV. CCN: 25067035
- Robbery Force and Violence: At approximately 3:41 a.m. multiple suspects approached the victim near the intersection of 14th and Newton Street, Northwest, forcibly stole property and fled the scene in a white SUV. CCN: 25067041
The suspect vehicle was captured by surveillance cameras and can be seen in the photo below:
Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.
CCN: 25067065
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