Police: GW Senior Who Died Crossed Against Light, Struck by Car

A George Washington University senior from Chevy Chase who dreamed of one day running for Congress or governor died Sunday from injuries suffered when he was struck by a car in College Park.

The Prince George’s County Police Department has identified the victim as Carlos Pacanins, 23, of the 6400 block of Ruffin Road in Chevy Chase.

Officers were called to the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Knox Road in College Park about 10:20 p.m. on Friday. Pacanins was found in the roadway suffering from critical injuries; he died of his injuries on Sunday. 

Investigators say Pacanins was trying to cross Baltimore Avenue when he was struck by a car heading northbound. Pacanins was walking in or near a crosswalk, but a "Don't Walk" signal was flashing at the time. The driver remained at the accident scene and is cooperating with investigators, police said.

Alcohol may have been a factor in Pacanins’ actions, police said.

Pacanins was weeks away from graduating from George Washington University with a degree in political science, reports the GW Hatchet student newspaper.

Friends described Pacanins, a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, as energetic, quick to make friends and enthusiastic about life.

Senior Mohammed Almarwani, who took political science classes with Pacanins, told the newspaper his friend planned to pursue a career in politics, with dreams of serving as a governor or congressman.

This is not the first time this intersection has seen tragedy. In January, a hit- and-run driver struck and killed a pedestrian at the same location. Cory Hubbard, 22, was a UMD student. He was also not in a crosswalk at the time, reports WTOP.

Anyone with information on the accident involving Pacanins is asked to call police at (301) 306-5640. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone, or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.