Local digest

Maryland's ban is weaker than that of any other jurisdiction because it makes using a handheld phone a secondary offense, requiring that a police officer have another reason for stopping a driver before issuing a cellphone citation.

-- Ashley Halsey III

THE DISTRICT

Vehicle strikes, kills man in wheelchair

A man using a wheelchair was struck by a vehicle Thursday in Northeast Washington and later died at a hospital, D.C. police said.

The victim, whose name was being withheld Saturday as police continued searching for his relatives, apparently was crossing Eastern Avenue NE near Sheriff Road in his wheelchair when he was hit about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, authorities said.

They said he was struck by a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling on Eastern Avenue. He was pronounced dead Friday at Prince George's Hospital Center.

The incident is under investigation by the D.C. police major-crash unit.

-- Paul Duggan

Man fatally shot in Southeast

D.C. police said a 27-year-old man was found shot to death in Southeast Washington early Saturday.

The victim, identified as Melvin White, who had no fixed address, suffered several bullet wounds, police said. They said officers found his body on the sidewalk shortly before 2:30 a.m. in the 600 block of 49th Place SE.

-- Paul Duggan