Carroll County Teen Struck By Hit-And-Run Driver Walking Home From Store
TAYLORSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- Dangerous driver on the loose. Police are hunting for the hit-and-run driver who nearly killed a Carroll County teenager. And right now, they've got very few clues to go on.
Kai Jackson talks to the teen's family as he fights for his life.
Michael Hatfield was severely hurt when he was hit by a vehicle. His family is praying for his recovery, and at the same time, asking the person responsible to surrender to police.
It happened about 11:42 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the intersection of Route 26 and Route 27, according to Maryland State Police. That's when 18-year-old Michael Hatfield of Taylorsville was hit by a vehicle that didn't stop.
"Michael has lived in this area since he was a child. This is a route that he would have taken hundreds of times," said Betty Colson, victim's aunt.
Family members say Hatfield was leaving a convenience store on foot and walking home. Apparently, as he tried to cross Route 26, also known as Liberty Road, he was hit by a westbound vehicle.
There are no obvious crosswalks at the intersection.
"Crash investigators have not been able to find any debris at the scene nor have they found any skid marks or braking marks there on the highway," said Elena Russo, Maryland State Police.
Hatfield's aunt tells WJZ after he was hit, two men at a restaurant next to the road saw what happened and rushed to help him.
He was rushed to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. He's in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling on his brain. Family members say both his legs are broken, and he has severe abrasions from being dragged.
They hope flyers will help find the person responsible.
"An accident is an accident. But when you make the conscious choice to drive away, that is no longer an accident," Colson said.
Michael Hatfield graduated from high school in June.
Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is asked to call Maryland State Police Westminster Barracks.
