Pedestrian Struck in Hit and Run Accident Dies, Driver Charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

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

According to the release, at approximately 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16th, 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 theUniversity of Maryland Shock Trauma Centerwhere she remained in critical condition until last night.

Wednesday night, Sheriff’s investigators charged 34 year old Joshua Allen of Cool Hollow Drive in New Windsor with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Per Se), Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, and Driving while impaired by Alcohol after smelling the odor of alcoholic beverages on his breath, according to the news release.  

Allen had reported the collision to police after returning home, although he was unsure what he’d struck.  While in custody, Allen submitted to a chemical test which revealed his Blood Alcohol Concentration was .13.  He was released by the District Court Commissioner Thursday after posting $10,000 Bail.

The Sheriff's office continues to investigate the accident in an effort to create a detailed reconstruction of the collision. The news release states that this could take several weeks. Additional charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. 

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