Update from MPD: “The suspect attempted to flee the scene in the vehicle and struck the victim at the listed location.” “Pedestrian Killed in Hit and Run Last Night at 18th and Florida Ave, NW.

18th and Florida Ave, NW

Update from a reader:

“Rakesh was an ICU and Infectious disease doctor. He’s been on the front lines all these past years. He’s been a friend and a colleague since 2017. The medical community is shocked.”

Dr. Rakesh (Rick) Patel via Medstar Washington Hospital Center

From Medstar Washington Hospital Center:

“We are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Dr. Rakesh (Rick) Patel. He was the victim of a carjacking and a hit-and-run in the District, according to Metropolitan police. Dr. Patel was one of our Medical Intensive Care Unit fellows at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. After completing his Internal Medicine Residency at MedStar Washington, he stayed with us to complete his Infectious Diseases fellowship and was currently training as a Critical Care fellow. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. Please keep Dr. Patel’s family and peers in your thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.”

Update from MPD:

“Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit seek the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a vehicle sought in a fatal hit and run resulting that occurred on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at the intersection of 18th Street and Florida Avenue, Northwest.

Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 8:03 pm, suspect entered the victim’s unoccupied vehicle in the 1800 block of Vernon Street, Northwest. The suspect attempted to flee the scene in the vehicle and struck the victim at the listed location. The suspect then fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and found that the victim displayed no signs consistent with life. The victim remained on scene until transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The decedent has been identified as 33 year-old Rakesh Patel, of Silver Spring, MD.

The vehicle is described as a dark silver Mercedes E350 with Ohio tag EVB5183. The vehicle was captured by nearby cameras and can be seen in the photos below:

Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. Crime Solvers of Washington, DC currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.”

“Dear PoPville,

Last night around 8pm there was an accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian at the intersection of 18th and Florida Ave NW. I can’t find any information other than the initial tweet from DC, but something tells me extended presence and black tent isn’t a good sign.”

Ed. Note: This is near the terrible crash into Keren Restaurant back in 2010. a pedestrian, Julia Bachleitner, was killed.

DC Traffic Police reported at 8:15pm: “FYI: Crash Investigation (Pedestrian struck) at 18th St & Florida Ave NW”

Mike reported: “Any idea what was going on at 18th and Florida NW tonight? Many police cars, a maroon SUV stopped in the intersection, blocks cordoned off, and what sadly might have been someone on the ground.”

Ryan Sprouse reported: “DCPoliceDept confirm an adult male was struck and was pronounced dead on scene. Still no lookout for the driver, car that fled the scene.”

Not yet confirmed but Kristine replied: “They stole his car, he was then killed. A lovely young man.”

18th and U Street/Florida Ave, NW

I have not yet seen official word released but Alan Henney also sent us a report from Kristine:

“update: on the FATAL HIT-AND-RUN on Florida Ave NW DC tonight…

‘This was a carjacking. The car owner, a lovely young doctor was killed because of criminals. His lovely girlfriend was with him. Horrific.’