Baltimore, Maryland – A shocking hit-and-run accident has left a woman injured in Baltimore after a 26-year-old Amazon delivery driver, Jerome Allan Young Jr., ran her over at the intersection of E. Pratt and S. Chester Street on the night of February 18, 2025. The harrowing incident, captured on a motion-sensor Ring doorbell camera, has drawn widespread attention and outrage due to its disturbing nature. The video shows Young striking the 29-year-old woman with his Amazon van as she crossed the street, hesitating briefly, and then continuing to drive over her before fleeing the scene. Young later turned himself in at a Baltimore County police precinct, where he now faces charges of negligent and reckless driving.

The Incident: A Moment of Horror at a Baltimore Intersection

The hit-and-run took place around 9:30 p.m. at a busy downtown intersection, where the victim was attempting to cross the street. The footage from a nearby surveillance camera reveals the unsettling sequence of events: as the traffic light turned green, Young’s Amazon delivery van accelerated forward, colliding with the woman, who had reportedly tripped and fallen moments before.

Eyewitnesses stated that the woman was seen gathering her belongings in the crosswalk when the van struck her. The impact of the first hit knocked her to the ground, and the van’s back wheels subsequently rolled over her body. Disturbingly, Young is seen briefly stepping out of the vehicle to assess the situation but quickly gets back inside and speeds away, leaving the woman injured in the street.

Community in Shock: Witness Reactions and Public Outrage

Bystanders who witnessed the accident immediately rushed to the woman’s aid. One witness, a resident of the area, recounted the distressing moment: “We heard this horrible scream, and when we ran outside, she was just lying there. People were shouting, trying to get help.”

Paramedics arrived at the scene within minutes, stabilizing the victim before transporting her to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, despite the horrifying circumstances, she suffered non-life-threatening injuries. However, medical professionals have indicated that she will require a lengthy recovery process, both physically and emotionally.

As news of the incident spread, community members expressed their shock and anger. The fact that Young, a driver employed by an Amazon-affiliated third-party delivery service, not only hit the woman but also failed to remain at the scene has led to serious questions about driver responsibility and corporate oversight in the delivery industry.

Law Enforcement’s Response and Jerome Allan Young Jr.’s Surrender

Following the release of the video footage, authorities wasted no time in identifying Young as the driver. The Baltimore Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest, urging him to come forward. Young eventually turned himself in at a Baltimore County police precinct, accompanied by his attorney.

He was then taken into custody and transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility, where he now faces multiple charges, including negligent and reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident with bodily injury, and failure to render aid. The legal process is now underway, and Young could face serious penalties if convicted.

Amazon Responds: Company Suspends Young from Delivering Packages

Amazon quickly responded to the incident after the video went viral, releasing a public statement expressing concern for the injured woman and condemning Young’s actions.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident and are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation. The driver involved has been immediately suspended from delivering on behalf of Amazon while the legal process takes its course,” an Amazon spokesperson said.

The company also emphasized its commitment to driver safety training and stated that it will review its protocols to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. However, critics argue that the pressure placed on Amazon delivery drivers to meet strict deadlines may contribute to reckless driving behaviors. Some have called for an independent review of Amazon’s third-party driver system to determine whether additional safeguards are necessary.

Legal Implications and Possible Penalties for Jerome Allan Young Jr.

Legal experts weighing in on the case have suggested that Young could face significant consequences if found guilty. Under Maryland law, failing to stop and render aid after an accident involving injury is a serious offense that can lead to both jail time and substantial fines.

Additionally, given that the video evidence clearly shows Young leaving the scene after the hit-and-run, prosecutors may push for a conviction with enhanced penalties. Baltimore defense attorney Christopher Wallace explained, “A hit-and-run with bodily injury can carry penalties ranging from misdemeanor charges to felony-level consequences, depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the case.”

It remains to be seen how Young’s defense team will approach the case, but early reports suggest they may argue that he panicked in the moment and made a terrible decision by fleeing the scene rather than deliberately avoiding responsibility.

A Broader Conversation: Driver Safety, Pedestrian Rights, and Accountability

The tragic incident has ignited a broader conversation about pedestrian safety in Baltimore, where hit-and-run cases have been on the rise in recent years. Advocates for pedestrian rights are now calling for increased enforcement of traffic laws and better infrastructure to protect those on foot.

“The fact that this happened in a busy intersection where pedestrians regularly cross just highlights the need for better safety measures,” said one local resident who lives near E. Pratt and S. Chester Street. “We need more lighting, better signage, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.”

Moreover, discussions are emerging about the treatment of delivery drivers and the pressures they face while on the job. Some critics argue that Amazon’s high-paced delivery system contributes to a culture of rushed and sometimes reckless driving, particularly among contracted workers who are expected to meet demanding quotas.

“Drivers are often working long hours with tight deadlines, and unfortunately, that can lead to poor decision-making on the road,” said transportation analyst Diane Carter. “While it doesn’t excuse what happened in this case, it does raise questions about how the system is structured and whether additional safety measures need to be implemented.”

Victim’s Recovery and Calls for Justice

As the legal case against Young unfolds, the primary concern remains the well-being of the victim, who continues to recover from her injuries. Her family has not publicly commented on the situation, but close friends have stated that she is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by friends to help cover her medical expenses and potential legal fees. Many supporters have left messages condemning the driver’s actions and calling for justice. One message reads, “No one should have to go through something like this. Praying for her recovery and hoping the driver is held accountable.”

The public’s response has been strong, with demands for accountability growing louder. Whether the case results in a conviction or a plea deal, one thing is certain: the hit-and-run has left a lasting impact on the Baltimore community, serving as a painful reminder of the importance of road safety and driver responsibility.

Conclusion: Seeking Accountability and Prevention Measures

As the city of Baltimore reels from the shocking hit-and-run incident involving Jerome Allan Young Jr., authorities continue their investigation, and the victim begins the long road to recovery. The legal system will determine Young’s fate, but beyond this case, larger discussions about pedestrian safety, driver accountability, and corporate responsibility will persist.

While the injured woman is fortunate to have survived, her trauma serves as a stark warning of what can happen when drivers fail to exercise caution and responsibility on the road. The hope is that this case will not only bring justice to the victim but also inspire meaningful changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

For now, Baltimore residents, lawmakers, and activists are watching closely, waiting to see how justice will be served.