Driver Accused Of Striking Girl Had $18K In Unpaid Traffic Fines

WASHINGTON, DC — A Prince George's County man had more than $18,000 in unpaid traffic fines when he hit a young girl with his car in Northeast D.C. last week, according to a councilman, authorities and reports.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department said the incident happened on Sept. 9 around 3:45 p.m. at the intersection of Sixth and D Streets Northwest. Police described the incident as an "accident" between a driver and 12-year-old girl.

According to police, the accident resulted in minor injuries and the driver was issued a citation.

In an interview with WUSA, the girl — 12-year-old Paisley Brodie — said she was on her way home from school when she was hit by a car while crossing the street.

“I was just crossing the street and I guess he just came around from another car and hit me,” Paisley told WUSA. “I didn’t see him coming, so it was just like unexpected.”

A witness told The Washington Post the driver of a black Land Rover did not stop in time for the red light. After he hit Paisley, witnesses said the man yelled at her for being in the crosswalk and claimed she had a red signal.

Paisley was taken to Children’s National Hospital. She suffered several fractured toes in the collision, reports said.

The Post identified the driver as Earl Darryl Curtis of District Heights, Maryland. In an interview, Curtis said he stopped in the crosswalk after realizing the light was red and Paisley collided with his car.

"I’m awfully sorry about the situation," Curtis told the Post. "An accident is an accident."

In a post on social media, Ward 6 councilman expressed frustration that Curtis had only been written a ticket. Allen went on to claim Curtis had accumulated more than 80 speeding tickets and $18,000 in unpaid fines.

"He shouldn't be driving in D.C.," Allen wrote.

He continued, "Our streets are less safe for Paisley & everyone else because the system to hold dangerous drivers accountable isn’t working."