Pedestrian dies after hit-and-run on H Street NE

D.C. police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that happened last Friday on the unit block of H Street NE, between North Capitol Street and Union Station. Shortly before 8:30 p.m. that day, the driver of a 2015 Ford Mustang struck a pedestrian in the roadway as the driver was traveling west and the pedestrian was walking south. Police say the driver then fled the scene and ended up striking a passengerless D.C. Circulator bus and a parked car.

The pedestrian, whom authorities identified as 39-year-old Silver Spring resident Hubert Hinds, was taken to a local hospital Friday and pronounced dead Tuesday. Approximately two dozen people have died in D.C. traffic collisions this year, according to city data. That’s down about 25 percent as compared to this time in 2018 but approaching previous annual totals. The city has committed to ending traffic deaths by 2024 via the Vision Zero program.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration is implementing a variety of traffic changes, such as retiming traffic signals, to advance that goal, and District lawmakers are weighing myriad pieces of legislation to reshape how local streets are designed and regulated. A new measure introduced Tuesday would require drivers who have been repeatedly ticketed for speeding or running red lights to take remedial driving courses, or officials could impound their vehicles.

Police are asking the public for any information about Friday’s crash. Those with knowledge may call the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099 or text their tip line at 50411.