Metropolitan Police Say Mercedes-Benz Driver Ran Red Light Before Collision And Fled Scene On Foot

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 2:30 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit are investigating a fatal collision involving a passenger vehicle and an electric stand-on scooter that left one man dead and a teenage boy critically injured Sunday night in Northwest Washington, D.C.

     According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the crash occurred on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 9:57 p.m., in the 5400 block of Colorado Avenue, Northwest, near the intersection with 14th Street Northwest.

     Fourth District patrol officers were dispatched to the location after receiving reports of a traffic collision involving a gold 2005 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle and an electric stand-on Segway scooter carrying two individuals.

     When officers arrived at the scene, they located an adult male and a 14-year-old male, both of whom had been riding on the electric scooter, suffering from serious injuries sustained in the crash.

Emergency personnel from D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded quickly and began lifesaving efforts. The juvenile victim was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries, while the adult male was treated at the scene.

     Where, despite life-saving efforts, authorities said the adult victim was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency responders were unable to revive him.

     Police later identified the deceased as Carlos Nahum Castillo Molina, 26, of Northwest Washington, D.C.

Preliminary Investigation;

     Investigators say early findings indicate that the collision occurred when both vehicles entered the intersection against the traffic signals.

     According to MPD’s preliminary crash analysis, the Mercedes-Benz was traveling northbound on 14th Street Northwest and allegedly proceeded through a red traffic signal at the intersection with Colorado Avenue Northwest. The vehicle then made a left turn onto Colorado Avenue Northwest.

     At approximately the same moment, the electric scooter was traveling southbound toward the same intersection, and investigators say it also entered the intersection against a red traffic signal.

     As both vehicles crossed the intersection, the Mercedes-Benz struck the electric scooter, ejecting the riders violently, police said.

     Following the impact, the Mercedes-Benz continued a short distance along Colorado Avenue Northwest before coming to a stop.

     Authorities say both the driver and a passenger inside the vehicle exited the car and fled the area on foot, leaving the crash scene before police arrived.

     As of Tuesday, investigators had not announced any arrests related to the incident.

Ongoing Investigation;

     The Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit continues to review the circumstances surrounding the collision, including traffic signal timing, vehicle movement patterns, and potential witness statements.

     Detectives are also working to identify and locate the driver and passenger who fled the scene.

     Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident to contact authorities.

     Anyone with information is urged to call the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or submit anonymous tips through the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE by sending a message to 50411.

     Investigators say tips from the public often play a critical role in identifying suspects and reconstructing fatal crash scenes. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Editor’s Note:

The information in this report is based on preliminary findings released by the Metropolitan Police Department. Details surrounding the crash, including the sequence of events and potential charges, may evolve as investigators continue their review. Englebrook Independent News will update this story as additional confirmed information becomes available.