A 9-year-old boy was left hospitalized with multiple serious injuries after a hit-and-run incident in Northeast Washington, D.C., earlier this month. Police have since arrested a 34-year-old woman from Hyattsville, Maryland, in connection with the case, ending a nearly two-week search that rattled the local community.
Boy Hit While Walking With Father
The incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on May 12, 2025, in the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE. According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the child was walking with his father through a shopping center parking lot after visiting a nearby convenience store when he was suddenly struck by a dark-colored SUV.
Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage helped police identify the suspect vehicle. The SUV did not stop after hitting the child, leaving the scene without rendering aid or calling emergency services.
Victim Suffered Serious Injuries
The boy, whose name has not been released due to privacy concerns, sustained several critical injuries. These included a broken pelvis, a broken ankle, bruised lungs, and other trauma to the body. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital by emergency responders.
His father, Davion Rawlings, described the horrifying moment in interviews with local media. “He was flying in the air like a rag doll,” Rawlings said. “And then he hit the concrete. He screamed so loud, and I couldn’t do anything.”
Rawlings also expressed disappointment that most bystanders simply watched and did nothing to help. “Nobody helped. They just watched us. Except one woman — she called 911,” he said, acknowledging her act of kindness in an otherwise chaotic moment.
Suspect Arrested After Police Investigation
Following days of investigation, the MPD announced the arrest of 34-year-old Atoya Smith on May 28, 2025. Police say Smith was identified through a combination of surveillance video, vehicle tracking, and witness reports. She has been charged with leaving the scene of a collision, a serious offense under D.C. law.
Authorities confirmed Smith was taken into custody without incident. Her vehicle, a dark-colored SUV matching the description from the scene, has also been recovered and is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The arrest brought some relief to the child’s family, who had been demanding justice and urging the driver to come forward. “I’m glad she’s caught. But my son is still in the hospital. He’s still in pain,” Rawlings told reporters.
Community Response and Concerns
The incident has sparked renewed conversations around road safety in high-traffic urban zones, especially near schools and shopping centers. Community members are urging local officials to increase speed bumps, signage, and surveillance in these areas to prevent similar tragedies.
This case also highlights a common and dangerous issue: hit-and-run crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hit-and-run accidents account for thousands of deaths and injuries across the U.S. every year. Fleeing the scene of an accident, particularly one involving injury, is a criminal act that carries serious consequences.
In Washington, D.C., the law mandates that drivers involved in a crash must stay on the scene, provide their information, and offer assistance if someone is hurt. Failing to do so, especially when someone is seriously injured, can lead to felony charges.
Ongoing Recovery and Support
The 9-year-old boy remains hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition. Doctors say he will need weeks — if not months — of recovery and physical therapy. Family members have launched a fundraiser to help with medical costs and support his healing journey.
The community has also shown an outpouring of support, with neighbors, schoolmates, and local organizations stepping up to offer assistance. Police are encouraging witnesses or anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward.
How to Report Hit-and-Runs or Provide Info
Anyone with further details related to the incident can contact the Metropolitan Police Department via their tip line or submit information anonymously. For more updates and safety resources, visit:
The MPD continues to urge drivers to remain at the scene of any accident, regardless of the situation. As the case proceeds through the court system, officials hope it will serve as a reminder about the serious consequences of reckless and irresponsible driving.
