DC Man Cited For Seriously Injuring 2 People In Hit-And-Run Crash: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — A 24-year-old man from Washington, D.C. who authories say struck and injured two people with his vehicle last December is facing numerous charges, including two counts hit and run, according to authorities.

Arlington County police responded shortly after 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 18, 2025, to investigate the report of a crash in the 1100 block of North Glebe Road in the Bluemont area.

Investigators determined that the suspect and victim were driving eastbound on Interstate 66 when they became involved in a dispute, according to the incident report. When the victim exited the highway, the suspect followed him all the way to North Glebe Road and North Wakefield Street.

"The victim parked, exited his vehicle and began walking when the suspect accelerated, striking the victim with his vehicle," according to the report. "As the suspect fled the initial crash scene, he struck a second, uninvolved pedestrian as he was crossing North Wakefield Street in the crosswalk."

The victims, who were both adult men, were taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. They were later released.

On the evening of the crash, authorities located the suspect vehicle in Washington, D.C., according to police. Investigators found evidence connecting Zai Atwater with the hit and run crash.

Atwater was taken into custody in the District and served with warrants for malicious wounding; two counts of hit and run; assault and battery; reckless driving and driving while suspended. He was then extradited to the Virginia and held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).