Man Who Chases Fatal Hit and Run Driver Wins Alexandria Police’s Highest Award

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Last year a vehicle hit and killed 89-year old Alexandria city resident Alfredo DaSilva as he was crossing Duke Street at the N. Pickett Street intersection and then fled the scene. Christopher Palacios and his family saw the whole thing.

Acting bravely and selflessly, Palacios chased down the vehicle as it left the scene, and after several blocks, he and his wife got the driver’s attention and convinced him to return to the scene of the crash.

The Alexandria Police Department honored Mr. Christopher Palacios with the Chief of Police Award on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, for his assistance in a deadly pedestrian crash from last year.

“We are grateful to Mr. Palacios and his family,” said Chief Michael Brown.  “It’s difficult to identify a driver involved in hit-and-run crashes.  Besides being in the right place at the right time, they acted selflessly to bring some closure to a family that lost a loved one.  And Mr. Palacios’ daughter, Sasha, attempted CPR on the victim.”

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