The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a deadly motorcycle collision that took place in Southeast Washington, D.C., over the weekend. The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon, July 20, on the intersection of 51st Street and Southern Avenue, Southeast, and tragically resulted in the loss of one man's life.
According to the MPD's official release, the incident happened at around 2:07 p.m. when Sixth District officers were called to the scene. They discovered an unconscious male motorcyclist, who was promptly transported to a nearby hospital by DC Fire and EMS. Despite intense efforts to save him, the man was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The other vehicle involved in the crash, identified as a pickup truck, fled before officers could to arrive.
The preliminary findings suggest that the motorcycle, a 2004 Suzuki, was traveling westbound on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, Southeast. The truck was in the process of making an eastbound turn from a stop sign on the 800 block of 51st Street SE when it paused mid-turn, resulting in the motorcycle striking its side. Tragically, the motorcyclist, later identified as 50-year-old Billy Earl Canty of Southwest D.C., succumbed to his injuries following the crash.
The Metropolitan Police have called for witnesses or those with information to come forward to aid in the ongoing inquiry into this incident. "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," urged the MPD statement. The investigation continues as authorities are to actively search for the driver of the runaway pickup and appeal to the public for any assistance that might lead to a closure for the victim's family and friends.
