Washington DC

Alexandria Man Killed in DC-295 Hit-and-Run

Rhyes Patrick-James Harris was a well-known bartender who had car trouble as he headed home from a shift at Bluejacket in D.C.'s Navy Yard area, his family said

NBC Universal, Inc.

A man was killed on DC-295 early Monday when a driver crashed into him and took off, authorities say.

Rhyes Patrick-James Harris, of Alexandria, Virginia, was the victim, police said. He was 30.

Harris’ family said he was a well-known bartender and was headed home from a shift at Bluejacket in the Navy Yard area of D.C. when he had car trouble and pulled over.

"A cruel and thoughtless person hit Rhys with full impact and continued to speed away. Rhys was left scared and alone to die helpless in the street. Now, his family wants justice," family members told News4.

Harris pulled his 2001 Toyota Corolla onto the left shoulder of southbound DC-295 before Exit 1B and 1C at about 3:18 a.m. and had the hazard lights on, according to the initial investigation.

He was standing outside the car on the passenger side when someone hit him and fled.

DC Fire and EMS responded, and Harris was pronounced dead.

The vehicle that hit him may be a 1999 to 2003 Ford Windstar minivan, police said. The van may have a broken windshield or be missing a driver’s side headlamp. The color was unknown.

D.C. police shared photos of a similar vehicle, seen below.

D.C. police shared images of a minivan similar to the van involved in a deadly hit-and-run. These are not the exact vehicles involved.

Harris is survived by his wife, two sisters, five brothers and his mother.

Drivers saw major delays during the Monday morning rush hour as police investigated the crash. All southbound lanes had reopened as of 7:50 a.m.

A driver hit and killed a man on DC-295 early Monday and took off, police say. Here's a look at the scene.

Anyone with potentially relevant information is asked to contact police at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.

Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.

Contact Us