DC councilmember White says friend took car without consent, was involved in 'minor fender bender'

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - A D.C. councilmember whose car was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run earlier this week in the District has released a statement saying he was not behind the wheel at the time of the crash and that a friend, who had borrowed his vehicle without his knowledge, was the one involved in the incident.

Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) released a statement Wednesday morning saying that a friend was driving his vehicle without his consent and was involved in a "minor fender bender" Monday night.

"Yesterday morning, I noticed that there was minor front end damage to one of my vehicles," White's statement said. "I assumed that another vehicle backed into it while it was parked overnight. I immediately contacted the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and filed a police report."

"In the afternoon, I received a follow-up call from MPD that alleged my car was in an accident," his statement continued. "I reached back out to the detective to obtain more information on the matter"

"Soon after my conversation with MPD officials, a friend admitted that he borrowed the car without my consent and was involved in a minor fender bender the night before," White's statement said. "He stated that he was able to resolve the accident at the scene with the other driver. My friend met with MPD to resolve the issue and provided the details of the car accident from his account,"

White's statement claims that police confirmed he was not the driver involved in the crash nor was he in the vehicle when the crash occurred.

A preliminary crash report obtained by FOX 5 says the incident took place Monday night along Interstate 295 near the Malcolm X Avenue exit in Southeast Washington.

A driver involved told police their car was rear-ended by another driver who took off before providing necessary documentation. That driver took pictures of the BMW allegedly involved with a license plate which read: "Councilmember Ward 8."

On Wednesday evening, White told FOX 5 the following:

"MPD knows there was no hit and run. The gentleman actually gave him their contact information, which I confirmed this morning with the detective, but he owned up to his mistake. He did use my car so we just wanted to make sure that he'd do due diligence and make sure he communicate to the police department and the car that was hit to make sure everything's taken care of," said White.

Back in 2017, White was arrested in D.C. for driving with a suspended license. That case was dismissed.

In the past, White also posted a Facebook video as he was pulled over in Prince George's County and revealed his license plates that were then registered to the late former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry.