WASHINGTON, D.C. — Authorities are searching for a driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 26-year-old man and seriously injured his teenage brother after their electric scooter was struck at a Northwest D.C. intersection.
Carlos Molina, 26, was pronounced dead at the scene. His 14-year-old brother, Xavier Molina, was transported to the hospital with severe injuries. Family members say Carlos was married and expecting a child at the time of his death.
Crash at 14th Street and Colorado Avenue
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded just before 10 p.m. on March 1 to reports of a hit-and-run at the intersection of 14th Street and Colorado Avenue NW.
Investigators said Carlos and his younger brother were riding an electric scooter when a gold 2005 Mercedes-Benz ran a red light and struck them.
Police stated that both brothers were ejected from the scooter upon impact.
Authorities reported that the driver and a passenger abandoned the vehicle at the scene and fled on foot. No arrests have been announced.
Victim Identified as Carlos Molina
Carlos Molina was pronounced dead at the scene.
His mother, Sonia Molina, told local media that her son was married and expecting a baby. She expressed heartbreak over the loss and frustration that the driver allegedly fled without attempting to help.
“I want justice because I can’t comprehend how a human being hits them and flees,” she said through an interpreter. “Perhaps if he would have helped them, my son would have lived.”
Family members also shared that Carlos had been in the process of applying for a green card and was awaiting an immigration interview.
A GoFundMe created to help with funeral and medical expenses described him as hardworking and devoted to his family, noting that he worked nearly full time while in high school and helped support his younger brothers.
Teen Brother’s Condition
Xavier Molina remains hospitalized and is recovering from serious injuries.
According to his mother, he has undergone surgery on his finger and suffered a significant head injury that caused internal bleeding. She stated that he is still unable to open one eye.
He is receiving treatment at Children’s National Hospital.
Family Seeking to Return Body to El Salvador
The family is working to transport Carlos’ body back to El Salvador for burial.
Sonia Molina described the emotional toll of losing her son and said her primary focus is justice.
“It’s very difficult to lose a child like this,” she said. “I only want justice.”
Police Investigation Ongoing
The Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the crash.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the driver or the incident to contact police at 202-727-9099 or submit tips via text to 50411.
Police have not released further details about the suspects or whether surveillance footage has identified the individuals who fled.
Conclusion
The fatal hit-and-run in Northwest Washington, D.C., has left a family devastated, with a young expectant father dead and his teenage brother hospitalized.
As investigators continue searching for the driver responsible, loved ones are calling for accountability and justice.
