Police arrest driver in Washington D.C. hit-and-run that killed Philadelphia man

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Authorities have arrested the hit-and-run driver who they believe struck and killed a Philadelphia man in Washington D.C. while trying to flee from Secret Service.

Officials with the United States Park Police say they arrested 33-year-old Benjamin Robertson from D.C. on Thursday.

He was charged with second-degree murder.

READ | Philadelphia man killed by driver fleeing Secret Service in Washington, D.C. identified

Authorities have identified the 75-year-old man from Philadelphia who died after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver near the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

According to the U.S. Secret Service, officers tried to stop Robertson for expired registration at the intersection of 17th Street and Constitution Avenue near the National Mall around 1:30 p.m. on July 12.

Authorities say Robertson indicated that he would stop, but then quickly fled southbound on 17th Street Northwest.

Robertson then allegedly ran a red light, striking 75-year-old Bing Wong and a 13-year-old girl in the intersection before fleeing the scene.

Wong was taken to George Washington University Hospital where he died.

He was visiting the area with his two daughters when he was fatally struck.

Park police say the 13-year-old sustained minor abrasions and was treated at the scene.

READ | Family of Philadelphia man killed in Washington, D.C. hit-and-run speaks out to Action News

Action News sat down with Wong's family shortly after the crash, who said he was "a gentle soul with a big heart."

They told us Wong was a retired chef and survived prostate cancer.

The Wong family spoke to Action News again on Thursday night, hours after receiving the news they had been hoping for for nearly two weeks.

"He should be held responsible for what he did," said Christine Wong, the victim's daughter, about the arrest. "I think my father will rest in peace."

Christine described how deeply the community felt about her father's death.

"People who lost him, they cannot stop their tears because my father is a good guy, always helping people," she said.

As the Wongs continue to mourn, they say they are relieved knowing the suspect is off the streets.

"You don't know what's next. I don't want this tragedy for any other family because this is very painful," said Christine.

In Bing Wong's honor, his family is collecting donations for the Double Care Adult Day Center in Northeast Philadelphia, where he would spend his time every week.