One Dead, Others Injured After Fatal Hit-and-Run in Southeast Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Seek Witnesses

Metropolitan Police are actively investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that left one person dead and several injured early this week. According to a release from the MPD, the crash occurred in the early hours of Monday when two vehicles collided at an intersection in Southeast Washington, D.C.

The official report suggests that around 12:57 a.m., a Nissan Altima was traveling southwest on the 5700 block of Southern Avenue and proceeded to quickly enter the intersection on a solid red light. Concurrently, a Buick Encore was traveling east on Central Avenue and also entered the intersection at a solid red light. The two vehicles collided, and the Buick's driver subsequently decided to flee the scene on foot, leaving the scene of the crash behind. Responders transported the driver and a passenger from the Nissan to local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

Tragically, the front passenger of the Nissan, identified as 43-year-old Damien Dempsey of Southeast, was pronounced dead at a local hospital after lifesaving attempts were unsuccessful. The Metropolitan Police Department has not yet released information regarding the driver who abandoned the scene, nor have they disclosed any details about potential charges or leads.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the circumstances that led to this lethal incident. The community has been urged to come forward with any information that could assist in locating the responsible party. Any witnesses or those with relevant information are encouraged to reach out to the authorities in order to close this rapidly developing case.