Drunk driver mows down pedestrians in wild U Street crash

Seven pedestrians were injured when a driver lost control on U Street and was later charged with DUI and reckless driving, according to MPD.
Drunk driver mows down pedestrians in wild U Street crash
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — A man was arrested early Saturday after allegedly crashing into multiple pedestrians while driving under the influence along the busy U Street corridor, injuring at least seven people, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Key Points

  • A 2016 Audi A5 struck a pedestrian, a pole, and a trash can on U Street around 1:15 a.m. Saturday.
  • The crash injured seven people, including one man hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Police arrested 31-year-old Eric Lyons on charges of DUI and reckless driving.

The collision happened just after 1:15 a.m. Saturday near the intersection of U Street and 11th Street NW. According to police, the driver of an eastbound 2016 Audi A5 lost control and struck a pedestrian, then a utility pole, before hitting a metal trash can, which caused injuries to additional people on the sidewalk.

Responding officers from the Third District arrived on the scene within seconds and began treating victims alongside DC Fire and EMS personnel.

Multiple pedestrians hurt, one seriously

The initial pedestrian hit by the car — an adult male — was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Four other adult males sustained minor injuries and were also transported for treatment. Two additional men were treated at the scene.

Police said the car’s driver remained on site following the crash. He was identified as 31-year-old Eric Lyons of Northwest D.C.

Driver arrested on DUI, reckless driving charges

According to investigators, Lyons was driving recklessly at the time of the crash and appeared to be under the influence. He was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Reckless Driving.

“The preliminary investigation revealed the operator and sole occupant of a 2016 Audi A5 was driving recklessly and lost control of the vehicle,” police said in a statement.