Howard County police have been notified that the victim in the hit-and-run on Halloween, Nursen Esabel Akinci, of Columbia, died at the hospital as a result of her injuries. Police are asking for the public’s help to locate a dark-colored vehicle with damage to the driver’s side headlight that investigators believe struck the 17-year-old, and are increasing the reward to up to $5,000 for information.
Akinci was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling eastbound on Route 108 just east of Phelps Luck Drive in the early morning hours after Halloween, around 1:36 a.m. on Nov. 1. Police believe Akinci stopped her Honda Civic on northbound Phelps Luck Drive at Route 108 and she and another teen exited the car to run across the roadway to a Royal Farms store. Akinci was struck; the other pedestrian was not injured. The striking vehicle fled the scene.
Anyone who sees or knows of a dark-colored sedan, small SUV or crossover vehicle with front-end damage, including the driver’s side headlight, is urged to contact police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.
If you spot this car or have seen one in your area, investigators are asking you to note the license plate and contact police immediately. The investigation is ongoing.
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