Armin Amin-Toomaji, Co-Owner of NW DC Restaurant, Fatally Struck by Car

The co-owner of a popular Northwest Washington restaurant was fatally struck by a car Thursday morning. 

Police say 44-year-old Armin Amin-Toomaji of Potomac, Maryland, was crossing 9th Street NW with another person when he was struck at 2:20 a.m. 

The crash happened a block away from Amin-Toomaji's restaurant, Chaplin's Restaurant and Bar, the building's landlord told News4's Mark Segraves. 

According to the building's landlord, Amin-Toomaji was walking a woman out of the restaurant after closing. At some point, he told the woman to start running. The woman thought Amin-Toomaji was right behind, but later realized he had been struck. 

It's not clear why the two were running.

He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

Police say the striking vehicle remained at the scene. They also said the driver appeared to have the green light; as of Thursday afternoon, the driver had not been charged.

Amin-Toomaji's death is the 4th fatal pedestrian accident in D.C. this year and the 17th traffic-related fatality. 

Amin-Toomaji was a prolific fundraiser for the D.C. non-profit Bread for the City, raising thousands to help the less fortunate.

"He will be remembered as somebody who captured the spirit of our work," said a Bread for the City representative, "that generosity and support to folks who have less than many of us who live in privilege have."

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