Fallen Tree Snarls Rush Hour On The GWMP

A large tree fell across the George Washington Memorial Parkway at the height of morning rush hour.

On Tuesday November 24, 2009, shortly before 7:00 am, the tree fell across the northbound lanes near Turkey Run. This tree fell on six cars. Fortunately, no one in the cars was injured.

This snarled traffic for about two and one half hours while the National Park Service tree crews sawed and chipped the tree. All traffic was diverted onto Rt. 123 at McLean.

Apparently saturated ground from recent rains loosened the tree.

Family Seeking Closure In Theft Of Loved One's Remains

A bronze cremation urn containing the remains of a decorated US Army veteran was stolen from a parked car in the 300 block of Jefferson Drive SW Washington, DC on November 12, 2009. This theft occurred between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Initially the theft was reported to the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department; however this incident occurred on jurisdiction of the United States Park Police.

The stolen urn is 8.5” X 5.5” X 5.5” in size, manufactured in bronze, with a cross on the lower right front.

United States Park Police Detectives are making the recovery of this urn and contents a priority to assist the family with the mourning process and crime victimization.

While closure of all criminal incidents is paramount, we understand that simply recovering this item is more important.

A reward is offered to anyone with information about this theft or information about the whereabouts of the urn and contents.

Should anyone possess this urn and desire to help close this unfortunate tragedy for this family and wishes to remain anonymous, he or she is asked to contact their local police department and describe where we may find the urn.

Please contact the United States Park Police Crime Tip line at (202) 610-8737 with any information.

Pedestrian Struck on National Mall Dies

One person is dead after being struck by a car on the National Mall.

Richard Greenstein and his wife Rhonda Ratner were crossing Madison Drive at 12th Street in the National Mall on Sunday November 15, 2009 at about 12:00 pm. Both were in the marked crosswalk. A vehicle backing up on Madison Drive struck both of these pedestrians. Both Richard Greenstein and Rhoda Ratner were injured after being struck and were transported to George Washington University Hospital.

Rhonda Ratner was treated and released with minor injuries.

Richard Greenstein was admitted to the hospital and succumbed to his injuries on Monday November 16, 2009. Mr. Greenstein is a 76 year old male from Northwest Washington, DC.

United States Park Police Crash Reconstructionists and Detectives are investigating this incident.

The driver of the striking vehicle remained on the scene for the investigation.

The driver’s name is not being released at this time pending consultation with the United States Attorney’s Office.

The cause of death will be determined after examination by the Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia.

Anyone who witnessed this crash is requested to contact United States Park Police Detective Freeman at (202) 610-8760.