Novak issued citation after hitting pedestrian

Columnist said he didn't realize what happened until cyclist stopped him

Alex Wong / Getty Images file	Columnist Robert Novak speaks to reporters after he testified for the I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby trial Feb. 12, 2007 in Washington, D.C.

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updated 3:50 p.m. ET July 23, 2008

WASHINGTON - Syndicated columnist Robert Novak said he has been issued a $50 citation after hitting a pedestrian while driving in downtown Washington.

Witnesses said the collision occurred about 10 a.m. Wednesday as the 77-year-old Novak was traveling near K Street in his black Chevrolet Corvette.

D.C. fire department spokesman Alan Etter said the victim was taken to George Washington University hospital with minor injuries.

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Novak told WJLA-TV he was cited for failing to yield the right of way. He said he didn't realize what happened and continued driving until a bicyclist stopped him.

David Bono, the bicyclist who witnessed the incident, told The Associated Press that the pedestrian was hit in a crosswalk and was splayed across Novak's windshield.