Judge releases DC deadly police chase crash suspects pending charging decision

The video above is DC News Now's prior coverage of the deadly crash. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The three suspects who were arrested after a deadly police pursuit that killed a moped rider in Northwest D.C. were released Monday while prosecutors review evidence and determine potential charges. The crash happened Saturday night near the William Howard Taft Bridge after U.S. Park Police attempted to stop a stolen silver Honda, according to authorities. Police said the driver fled, sped south on the bridge and crossed into oncoming traffic, striking a moped. The collision threw the rider from the moped. The victim was identified as 46-year-old Nolberto Meza of Hyattsville, Md. Authorities said the suspects continued driving after the crash and later collided with a Toyota RAV4 after turning onto Kalorama Road. The occupants then ran from the car before being taken into custody. Police identified the suspects as 24-year-old Tom Anderson, 19-year-old Donnie Palacios and a 16-year-old. Authorities initially sought charges, including second-degree murder, against Anderson. Witnesses who saw the aftermath said they were surprised to learn the suspects had been released. “To have all of them released is shocking,” Leigh Dabitian said. Dabitian said she witnessed the pursuit moments before the crash. “The car was kind of swerving in and out of oncoming traffic. So I’m like, okay, something’s not right. And then you heard collision after collision,” said Dabitian. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said it had not yet received all of the information needed to make a charging decision. Once the facts are clear and the evidence is in hand, a charging decision will be made. Neighbors questioned the decision to release the suspects while the investigation continues. “It’s absolutely horrible. I’m in favor of people using vehicles like mopeds, and their safety is really important. And I really just hope that the people responsible, you know, are held to account somehow,” said Jim Boyd. Boyd said he would like more information about why the suspects were released. “That doesn’t sound right to me. I’d want to know more, but that doesn’t sound right,” said Jim Boyd. Police said the occupants of the Toyota RAV4 involved in the second crash were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.