At approximately 12:43 this morning 22-year-old Dewayne L. James, of the 1200 block of 49th Place, N.E., was operating a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis southbound in the 1600 block of Bladensburg Road, N.E. It was at this time that a pedestrian standing on the median strip apparently lost his balance and fell under the vehicle. The pedestrian was officially pronounced dead at 3:00 a.m. by the D.C. Medical Examiner's Office.

Mr. James was charged with Driving Under the Influence. He has not been charged with the accident. The case is still under investigation.

The name of the pedestrian is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin. He is presently identified as a 49-year-old northeast male.