On October 21, 2023, tragedy struck in Lanham, as a hit-and-run accident claimed the life of 28-year-old Franklin Membreno Mendez of New Carrollton. The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is now seeking the community’s help in locating the driver and car involved in this fatal pedestrian incident.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:05 am on the 7500 block of Ardwick Ardmore Road. Police officers responded to a welfare check and discovered Mendez’s lifeless body on the side of the road. The victim had suffered severe trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the preliminary investigation, Mendez had been involved in an unrelated, minor collision about two miles away on the 8900 block of Annapolis Road. After the initial collision, Mendez reportedly exited his vehicle and was subsequently struck by another car. The impact was so severe that Mendez became lodged in the windshield of the vehicle. Instead of stopping and seeking help, the driver fled the scene with Mendez still on the windshield until reaching Ardwick Ardmore Road, where they abandoned him on the side of the road.
Law enforcement believes that the car involved in the hit-and-run incident is a gray Honda Civic manufactured between 2011 and 2017. The vehicle is expected to have a large white decal across the top of the rear window. Detectives also suspect that the car will display noticeable damage to its passenger side front bumper, fender, and windshield, which will likely have a hole.
The police are urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the hit-and-run driver to come forward. Individuals can contact the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit directly at 301-731-4422. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers offers a hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com or through the “P3 Tips” mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play. When providing information, please reference case number PP23102100000463.
The devastating loss of Franklin Membreno Mendez has left his family and friends devastated. They are eager for justice to be served and for the hit-and-run driver to be held accountable for their actions. The community’s support and cooperation in locating the driver will be crucial in bringing closure to Mendez’s loved ones and ensuring that the responsible individual is brought to justice.
Hit-and-run incidents are a serious concern, as they not only result in preventable loss of life but also leave families and communities shattered. These incidents underscore the importance of responsible driving and the need for drivers to stop and render aid in the event of an accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is not only a legal offense but also a morally reprehensible act that shows a lack of empathy and compassion for fellow human beings.
Pedestrian safety is an issue that requires the collective effort of both drivers and pedestrians. Drivers must remember to adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions, and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Pedestrians, on the other hand, should use designated crosswalks and remain vigilant while crossing the road. By working together and prioritizing safety, we can create an environment where hit-and-run incidents become a thing of the past.
In conclusion, the Prince George’s County Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in locating the driver and car involved in a hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of Franklin Membreno Mendez. The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and provide details. It is essential that we, as a community, stand together and condemn hit-and-run incidents while ensuring that the responsible party faces justice. By doing so, we honor the memory of Mendez and send a powerful message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated.
