Document: Updated Traffic Fatality: 14th Street and New York Avenue, Northwest

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 3, 2023
Daily Stories | Documents | Homicides | Suspects | Traffic | Victims |

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Major Crash Investigations Unit is investigating a traffic fatality resulting from a vehicle crash that occurred on Dec. 30 on 14th Street and New York Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division engaged in a traffic stop of a 2001 Buick LeSabre in the 700 block of 15th Street, NW. The Buick had an erroneous license plate and was not registered. The Buick sped away from the police during the traffic stop by turning right towards the 1400 block of New York Avenue, Northwest. The Buick then drove through the Northwest junction of 14th Street and New York Avenue while the traffic light was red.

A 2013 Chevrolet Sonic was moving south on 14th Street, Northwest, with a green traffic light at the time. The Buick LeSabre was struck by the Chevrolet Sonic in the left rear, which sent the Buick spinning and causing it to enter a crossing on the east side of the intersection. The Buick LeSabre struck two adult female pedestrians heading southward in the vicinity of a walk sign.

The decedent was identified as 31-year-old Shuyu Sui.

The driver of the Buick LeSabre was detained on-scene by United States Secret Service Uniformed Division and was later transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Spiro Stafilatos was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, no permit, and misuse of tags.