Martins Tavern, Tony & Joe’s Employee Killed on Key Bridge

Drunk driving contributed to a hit-and-run death on the Key Bridge, Feb. 27, as well as a second incident where a Metropolitan Police Department officer from the Second District, putting down road flares, was hit shortly thereafter. The officer landed on the car’s windshield, injuring his head, according to the MPD (The second driver stayed on the scene and was charged with DUI). Eliester Elizardo Pineda-Medrano was found unconscious in the Virginia-bound lanes of the bridge shortly before 10:30 p.m., police said. He was pushing his scooter, which had broken down in the right lane. The alleged hit-and-run driver was arrested in Maryland. Pineda, who worked at Martin’s Tavern and Tony & Joe’s, was the father of a two-year-old. Martin’s Tavern has set up a memorial fund for Pineda to return his body to Guatemala. The police officer is recovering and expected to be okay, the MPD said.