Pedestrian Struck in Hit-and-Run Collision Dies, Driver Charged with DUI

Nineteen-year-old Jessica Elaine Belknap died late last night as a result of injuries sustained during a hit-and-run on Franklinville Road Wednesday evening, according to the Carroll County Sheriff's Department.

The department said that at approximately 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, Carroll County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian along the 3600 block of Franklinville Road.  The pedestrian, Jessica Belknap, was treated at the scene by paramedics from the Winfield Volunteer Fire Company and transported by helicopter to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where she remained in critical condition until last night.

Wednesday night, sheriff’s investigators charged Joshua Allen, 34, of Cool Hollow Drive in New Windsor with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while impaired by alcohol.

Allen had reported the crash to police after returning home, although he told police he was unsure what he struck.  While in custody, Allen submitted to a chemical test which revealed his blood alcohol level at .13.  He was released Thursday after posting $10,000 bail.

The sheriff's office said the incident was under investigation, which could take several weeks. Additional charges were pending the outcome. 

The Sheriff's Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any other information to contact Corporal Jeff Miller of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at 410-386-2900, or jmiller@ccg.carr.org.