WASHINGTON — A terrifying moment was caught on camera Saturday evening on the National Mall. Video shared with WUSA9 shows a driver speeding down a pedestrian walkway on the Mall near the Washington Monument.
Paul Neubert shared the video on social media. In the video you can see a dark-colored vehicle cutting through the grass before speeding down the gravel walkway, away from the camera.
“In 5 years of living in DC, this is the first time I’ve seen some rando (not National Park Service or Police) leave the road and race down the National Mall. Fortunately no pedestrians were hit,” Neubert said in a Reddit post. “I didn’t see the car enter the Mall, but once U.S. Park Police started boxing him in the driver yelled ‘I got plenty of gas!’ and did laps until he managed to escape down 7th Ave SW.”
U.S. Park Police told WUSA9 the driver of the involved vehicle was arrested and no injuries were reported. Police did not say what charges the driver is facing. Police did not share any additional details about what happened.
Those who may have additional information for investigators is asked to contact Park Police at 202-610-7500.
Saturday was the first day of the Giant National Capital BBQ Battle. The cook-off is being held nearby on Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest from 3rd to 7th Street on Saturday and Sunday. Several road closures are in effect for the summertime activity.