National Guardsman ticketed for running red light in DC crash

A National Guardsman was ticketed on Wednesday after running a red light and injuring a person in a crash with a civilian vehicle in Washington, D.C.

The incident, which occurred at 8th Street SE and North Carolina Ave near Eastern Market early Wednesday morning, involved a D.C. National Guard transport vehicle, according to the Joint Task Force District of Columbia (JTF-DC).

"Our priority is ensuring the well-being of all involved. We are grateful for the response of D.C. police and EMS. Safety is our top priority,” U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, the JTF-DC commander, said in a Thursday statement about the crash. “We will take action based on the investigation. This type of vehicle is authorized, and safety protocols are in place."

The civilian driver, per emergency responders, was trapped inside the car, rescued and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Earlier this month, President Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department and deployed National Guard troops to the nation’s capital in an effort to crack down on crime. 

The District of Columbia and several GOP states, including Louisiana, West Virginia and South Carolina, have sent National Guardsmen to support the administration’s move. 

Since Aug. 7, 630 arrests have been made in the District, according to a White House official. 

On Thursday, Trump met with federal law enforcement officials at a facility in Anacostia, touting the administration’s efforts in the region. 

“It’s like a different place, different city,” Trump said of D.C.

“Now, I think right now it’s better than it has been in years and in a couple of weeks, it’s going to be far better,” he said.

There are nearly National Guardsmen stationed throughout the District, the JTF-DC said in its Thursday release.