WASHINGTON – Police are investigating a vehicle’s fatal collision with a pedestrian in Gaithersburg, Md., Wednesday morning as a homicide.
Police say a 54-year-old man told responding officers at about 1:15 a.m. that he and his brother were given a ride by people in a black Honda Civic and dropped off near the Gaitherstown Plaza at Route 355 and Chestnut Street. As they were walking on West Diamond Avenue, the man told police they were struck by a black Honda Civic that he thinks was the same vehicle they had been riding in earlier.
Police say the man’s 34-year-old brother was found dead near 211 W. Diamond Ave., and officers found a black Honda Civic with damage consistent with a pedestrian collision at the Gaitherstown Shopping Center.
Police are trying to find the owner of the car, but won’t describe why the brothers were riding inside it. Sources say the two may have been buying or selling drugs.
The 54-year-old victim was being treated for injuries that are not life- threatening. The Avalon School on West Diamond Avenue will remain closed Wednesday due to the investigation, police say.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call police at 240-773-5070. Those who want to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-8477 or leave a tip here.
Crime Solvers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest or indictment in the incident.
WTOP’s Neal Augenstein contributed to this report. Follow @AugensteinWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.
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