WASHINGTON — A grand jury indicted a D.C. firefighter for murder in the death of a motorist who was hit and killed as the firefighter and another driver raced down a busy city street in July.
A bench warrant was issued for 22-year-old Ryan Thompson’s arrest after the grand jury indicted the firefighter Tuesday.
He faces second-degree murder and reckless driving charges for his part in the July 19 wreck that led to 24-year-old Matthew Roths’ death on July 19.
Roth, of Arlington, was driving down 16th Street NW around 3:30 p.m. when a car driven by Rasheed Murray jumped the median and plowed into Roth’s windshield, court documents say. Roth was rushed to to the hospital with severe brain injuries and died hours later.
Court documents say that Murray was racing Thompson down 16th Street that day. Murray, 28, of Northeast D.C., was also indicted Tuesday on charges of reckless driving, driving while intoxicated and second-degree murder.
His attorney Todd Baldwin confirms Thompson turned himself in and has pleaded not guilty in court. Thompson’s next hearing is set for Dec. 17.
D.C. Fire and EMS says that Thompson has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.
