Del Ray crash: Terrier survives hit-and-run as owner seeks driver

A red sedan struck a 3-year-old terrier on Oct. 23 along Commonwealth Avenue in Del Ray, Alexandria, before the driver sped away without stopping. The vehicle nearly hit Amanda Trotenberg, the dog's owner, who is eight months pregnant. The crash left the dog, named Asher, with three broken ribs, a fractured leg, and a fractured knee.

Trotenberg described the moment as traumatic. "It was awful," she said. "It's been keeping me up at night, it's something I will never forget, that image in my head of watching a car hit my dog and roll over." She stated that the red sedan continued driving after the impact. Her primary goal in finding the driver is to ensure they understand the importance of safe driving.

"Calm down and drive slower," Trotenberg said. "You hit a dog, you nearly hit a pregnant woman. I think there's a lot we can do to make that intersection safer, too." She cited the specific dangers of the intersection where the collision occurred.

Data reviewed by News4 indicates that at least four other collisions have taken place at that specific intersection over the past decade. Three of those incidents were rear-end crashes, while the fourth involved a car striking a pedestrian. This history of accidents supports Trotenberg's call for improved safety measures at the location.

Asher is currently recovering at home. He must wear a protective cone for several more weeks to allow his bones to heal. Video footage from the veterinary emergency room shows him watching cartoons shortly after the accident, attempting to remain calm despite his injuries. Trotenberg, who has owned Asher for two years, described him as a fighter.

Trotenberg originally found Asher abandoned on Ash Street, where he was dehydrated and exhausted. She named him after the location. She expressed excitement about his recovery, noting that he will soon become a big brother to the baby she is expecting. "He's just a sweet, sweet little energetic boy, and we're excited for him to be a big brother for a baby on the way," she said.

Police in Alexandria have not yet responded to inquiries regarding surveillance footage from the night of the crash. Trotenberg continues to hope the driver can be identified to teach a lesson on safe driving practices in the neighborhood.