D.C. teenager dies in hit-and-run crash on East Capitol Street

A 15-year-old resident of Southeast D.C. died Thursday after being struck by a driver in an alleged hit-and-run collision in the 3900 block of East Capitol Street. The resident, Amoni Richardson, was crossing the street when an unidentified 17-year-old driver in a gray sedan traveling east hit her, according to police. The driver then fled the scene, says a news release.

Richardson was transported to an area hospital, where all life-saving efforts failed. Officers were able to find the striking vehicle and charged the driver with second-degree murder. The crash occurred on the same day as the D.C. Council held a lengthy public hearing on a series of traffic safety bills. The legislation, which would prohibit right turns on red lights citywide, lower speed limits, and change how the city redesigns streets, among other things, is related to the District’s Vision Zero initiative to end traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2024. Over 20 people have died in D.C. traffic crashes this year; more than 800 have done so since 1999.

Earlier this week, another District teenager died as the result of a vehicular collision, police say. Jerome Clark Jr., a 17-year-old Northeast resident, was killed Tuesday when the car in which he was a passenger collided with another car and was redirected into a utility pole. A few others were injured in the crash also. Police are asking for information on both incidents.