DC man arrested in fatal hit-and-run that killed moped rider during 2024 police pursuit
WASHINGTON, DC – More than a year after a moped rider was struck and killed by a driver fleeing a traffic stop in downtown DC, police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the fatal hit-and-run crash.
The Metropolitan Police Department announced Thursday that Jalen McLendon, of Northeast DC, was arrested by members of the Capital Area Fugitive Task Force on Tuesday. He is charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed in the death of 25-year-old Alpha Oumar Kake of Temple Hills, Maryland.
The incident began around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, when a Second District officer observed a vehicle operating without headlights in the 1600 block of K Street NW. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to yield, initially moving slowly before accelerating down 17th Street NW, crossing into oncoming traffic.
As the fleeing vehicle ran a red light at the intersection of 15th and L Street NW, it struck Kake, who was lawfully entering the intersection on a green light while riding a moped. The suspect’s vehicle did not stop, while the officer immediately rendered aid and called for EMS.
Kake was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died on October 1, more than a month after the crash.
Following a lengthy investigation by the MPD’s Major Crash Investigations Unit, McLendon was identified as the driver. An arrest warrant was obtained, and law enforcement located him this week.
Police did not disclose further details about how McLendon was tracked down or what led to the delay between the crash and the arrest.
McLendon is currently in custody and will face prosecution in DC Superior Court.
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Key Points
- A moped rider died after being struck by a vehicle fleeing a police stop in August 2024
- Alpha Oumar Kake, 25, died weeks later from injuries sustained in the crash
- Jalen McLendon, 32, was arrested this week and charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed
