After a lengthy investigation, the Metropolitan Police Department has apprehended 32-year-old Jalen McLendon for his alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a moped rider last year. The arrest, made by members of the Capital Area Fugitive Task Force on Tuesday, comes after the suspect reportedly fled from police and fatally injured 25-year-old Alpha Oumar Kake of Temple Hills, MD, according to information released by MPD.
The accident occurred in the early hours of August 31, 2024, when a Second District officer spotted McLendon's vehicle operating erratically without headlights on K Street, Northwest. Upon attempting a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to yield and continued at a low speed before turning onto 17th Street, where it accelerated and crossed into the opposing lane of traffic. The subsequent collision at the intersection of 15th and L Street, Northwest, led to the tragic death of Kake, who was legally entering the intersection on a green light, as detailed by the Metropolitan Police Department.
In response to the incident, the involved police officer ceased the chase to provide immediate assistance to the injured Kake, while McLendon reportedly fled the scene. Emergency services were called, and Kake was transported to a local hospital, where, despite lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on October 1, 2024.
Charges against McLendon now include Second Degree Murder while Armed, as indicated in the DC Superior Court arrest warrant. Officials linked McLendon to the crash through a diligent investigation by the MPD Major Crash Investigations Unit detectives leading to his eventual capture over a year later. The MPD has not released further details regarding the circumstances leading up to McLendon's arrest.
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