Silver Spring Doctor Killed By His Own Car When Thief Hops Behind Wheel In DC: Police

A 33-year-old doctor was killed by his own car when a thief jumped behind the wheel in Washington DC — and the suspect remains at large, authorities said.

Dr. Rakesh Patel (center) and the suspected vehicle from the hit-and-run
Photo Credit: *DC Police Department/MedStar Washington Hospital Center*

David Cifarelli

03/09/2022 11:53 a.m.

Dr. Rakesh Patel, of Silver Spring, had left his dark silver Mercedes E350 unoccupied and running on the 1800 block of Vernon Street, when the suspect hopped in around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, DC police said.

Patel was training as a critical care fellow at MedStar Washington Hospital Center when he struck at the intersection of 18th Street and Florida Avenue, Northwest, as the driver started to pull away, NBC Washington reports.

The suspect then fled the scene in Patel's car. Patel was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

"We are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Dr. Rakesh (Rick) Patel," the hospital wrote on Facebook. "He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. Please keep Dr. Patel’s family and peers in your thoughts and prayers during the days ahead."

Around 1:47 on Wednesday, police shared that they had found the vehicle, but did not specify if the driver was located.

Police are offering rewards of up to $1,000 for anyone with information regarding the incident. The car has an Ohio license plate of EVB5183.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

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