Bob Novak hits pedestrian, tries to commit hit-and-run

Conservative columnist Bob Novak hit a pedestrian at 18th and K this morning, then tried to escape but was stopped by a bicyclist, Politico reports. Novak claims not to have known he hit the pedestrian, but according to the cyclist, Harkins Cunningham partner David Bono, the pedestrian was “splayed onto the windshield”, and that after stopping, Novak “[kept] trying to get away.”

Novak was already an aggressive driver who told the Post that he hates “jaywalkers” and would like to run them over, “but as a compassionate conservative, I would never do that.”

Politico uses the word “accident” once in their article. I’d give Novak the benefit of the doubt that he didn’t deliberately hit this person, but given his past comments and aggressive driving behavior, it’s entirely possible some legal fault could be involved.

Meanwhile, Novak was cited for “failing to yield,” which only carries a $50 fine today, but which the DC Council plans to raise to $250 and three points on the license. That bill passed first reading last week, and is the one to which Tommy Wells tried to add a fine for blocking a bike lane.

Thanks to Patrick for the tip.