Howard County police are investigating a collision involving a pedestrian that occurred in Columbia overnight.
At approximately 1:36 a.m., a Honda Civic stopped in the travel portion of northbound Phelps Luck Drive at Route 108, and for an unknown reason, the driver and one of three passengers exited the vehicle and attempted to run across the street to the Royal Farms store before turning back toward the vehicle.
In the process, Nursen Esabel Akinci, 17, of Columbia, was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling eastbound on Route 108 just east of Phelps Luck Drive. She was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center with serious injuries. The second pedestrian was not struck.
The striking vehicle, described as a dark-colored sedan, fled the scene. Investigators believe it likely has damage to the driver’s side head lamp and surrounding area.
Route 108 was closed between Phelps Luck Drive/Centre Park Drive and Howard High School for approximately three hours.
Anyone who may have information about the collision or the described vehicle should contact police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov. Area property owners are asked to check their exterior cameras. The investigation is ongoing.
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