D.C. police have identified the victim and charged suspects following a deadly crash during a police pursuit in Northwest Washington, D.C. The incident happened over the weekend and involved a stolen vehicle fleeing from law enforcement before striking multiple vehicles, including a moped rider who later died from injuries.
According to U.S. Park Police, officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle traveling northbound on Rock Creek Parkway on Saturday afternoon. The driver allegedly refused to stop and instead sped away, triggering a high-speed pursuit through public roads in the city.
The vehicle exited the parkway and crossed the William Howard Taft Bridge on Connecticut Avenue. Police said the driver then entered oncoming traffic while attempting to escape, which led to a collision with a moped rider on the bridge.
The victim has been identified by D.C. police as 46-year-old Nolberto Meza of Hyattsville, Maryland. Emergency responders transported him for medical treatment, but he later died due to his injuries.
Witnesses in the area described confusion and concern as multiple police vehicles moved through the bridge during the chase. One pedestrian said the scene raised questions about why the pursuit continued in such a crowded area with pedestrians nearby.
After the initial crash, police said the fleeing vehicle continued moving and later struck a diplomat’s vehicle on the opposite side of the bridge. One occupant of that vehicle was taken to hospital for treatment.
U.S. Park Police reported that three people inside the fleeing car attempted to run from the scene after the second collision. Officers arrested all three suspects shortly after. They were also taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries.
The driver has been identified as 24-year-old Tomas Anderson of Northeast Washington, D.C. He has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal crash. Authorities say the charges reflect the severity of the incident and the death of the moped rider during the pursuit.
Two additional passengers in the vehicle have also been charged. Nineteen-year-old Donnie Palacios of Southeast D.C. and a 16-year-old from Fort Washington, Maryland, face charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle during a violent crime.
The case has renewed scrutiny over police pursuit policies in Washington, D.C. U.S. Park Police have been involved in several recent pursuits that resulted in serious injury or death, raising questions about how and when high-speed chases should be authorized in urban areas.
In earlier incidents this year, similar pursuits have led to fatalities and severe injuries, including cases where bystanders were caught in crashes involving fleeing vehicles. Local officials have previously raised concerns about the risks posed by such operations in densely populated areas.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has previously warned that police chases can endanger innocent people, especially in situations involving minor offenses. She has called for caution when balancing enforcement with public safety.
U.S. Park Police recently updated their pursuit policy, allowing officers to initiate vehicle chases when suspects are believed to have committed a felony or pose a direct threat to public safety. The policy change has been part of broader law enforcement adjustments in the region.
Authorities say the new policy is intended to improve public safety by allowing officers to respond to serious crimes involving fleeing suspects. However, critics argue that such pursuits can still create significant risks for pedestrians and other road users.
Following the crash, D.C. police have taken over the investigation. U.S. Park Police will also conduct an internal review to determine whether all procedures were followed during the pursuit.
Officials said they remain committed to enforcing the law while also prioritizing public safety. The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing as authorities review video footage, witness statements, and officer actions during the pursuit.
