Curtis Lear Charged for Driving on the National Mall
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced that Curtis Lear, 30, of the District of Columbia, appeared at a hearing today in U.S. District Court after being federally charged last week with allegedly driving an SUV recklessly at a high speed on the National Mall as hundreds of visitors were present. The joy ride caused over $9,000 in damage to the lawn, as hundreds of visitors were present.
Lear was charged by complaint on June 25, 2025, with Destruction Of Government Property, Assault With A Dangerous Weapon (Vehicle), and Reckless Driving.
Chief Jessica Taylor of the U.S. Park Police joined in the announcement.
According to the charging documents, on June 21 at 8:45 p.m., a black Jeep Patriot with D.C. license plates drove onto the National Mall near 7th Street, SW, between Jefferson and Madison Drives. The Jeep raced at high speeds on the National Mall, making sharp turns on the grass and accelerating uncontrollably, according to witnesses. At the time, hundreds of pedestrians occupied the National Mall and surrounding areas.
During the incident, a U.S. Capitol Police officer approached the vehicle on foot. The driver rolled down a window and stated, “It's just a joke.” Officers attempted a traffic stop but the suspect vehicle fled. Investigators ran the Jeep’s license plate number through a law enforcement database and learned the SUV was registered to Lear.
At approximately 3 a.m. the following morning, officers located the Jeep and conducted a traffic stop. Lear was behind the wheel.
This case is being investigated by U.S. Park Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Green and Michael Lee.