Washington, D.C. — A 20-year-old man is facing multiple criminal charges, including murder, following a high-speed collision that resulted in the death of a pedestrian and caused significant damage to several vehicles in Northwest D.C. on Wednesday afternoon.
Court documents reveal that Santana Matthews was driving a Chevrolet Malibu when he reportedly accelerated to beat a yellow traffic light at the intersection of 16th and L streets NW around 3:50 p.m. His vehicle collided with a gold Toyota Corolla before veering off course, striking 26-year-old Aaron Marckell Williams, who was crossing the street at the time. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the impact sent Williams airborne.
Despite the immediate response from D.C. Fire and EMS personnel, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, Matthews continued on, hitting a second Jeep and another Toyota before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing down the sidewalk.
As he attempted to escape, Matthews discarded his coat and a bag that appeared to contain a green substance believed to be marijuana, as noted in the court documents. He was later apprehended by police and returned to the crash site, where he received medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries.
Two other individuals involved in the incident were also taken to a local hospital, though their injuries were described as minor. Investigators later confirmed that Matthews was operating the Chevrolet Malibu without a valid driver’s license; the vehicle was registered to his aunt.
Police reports indicate that Matthews had been involved in an earlier traffic stop prior to the crash, prompting officers to follow him in an attempt to apprehend him. D.C. police confirmed that both officers involved in the initial stop have been placed on administrative leave as the incident is further examined by the department’s internal affairs bureau.
Matthews is facing serious charges, including second-degree murder while armed with a vehicle and evading law enforcement. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on January 27. The tragic event highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding reckless driving and pedestrian safety in urban areas.