A 12-year-old was behind the wheel of a stolen car that fatally struck a motorcyclist, and a 15-year-old girl faces charges, Baltimore Police said Friday.
City police said the 12-year-old was driving a car on Sept. 30 on North West Avenue and collided with the motorcyclist around 1 p.m.
“That’s one of the problems; kids are not going to school,” said Michael Williams, a community activist in the area. “It’s tragic to be riding down the street and boom it’s over, and they get out and run like it’s a joke. They need to be held accountable.”
Police said the motorcyclist, identified as Barry Wright, 69, of Baltimore County, was taken to a hospital, where he died.
“I was at the corner of North (West) and Dukeland waiting for the light for me to go across. I seen the car hit the motorcycle and I was just like ‘oh my God,” and debris was coming over on the side,” said Trina, who witnessed the crash. “I seen the guy flip in the air (and) then these two cowards going to get out of the car and run.”
Police said officers found the 12-year-old driver and the 15-year-old girl near the intersection of North Dukeland Street and West North Avenue, where the car became disabled. Video shows the two get out of the car and run.
“The teenagers decided to run a red light,” said Viola Church, who also witnessed the crash. “I was actually there when the ambulance was performing CPR and at that time you just knew there was nothing else they could do for him.”
The girl was arrested and charged with motor vehicle theft and remains held at the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, police said.
Due to the 12-year-old’s age, police submitted a Child in Need of Supervision (CINS) referral and met with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.
“I think it does a disservice when you’re not holding these kids accountable. I think it’s imperative that not only the parents are held accountable but the kids as well,” said Church. “I absolutely think (the victim’s family) is going to want some type of justice and if you’re not going to charge these young people, there has to be an alternative. You have to keep in mind the victims, he didn’t ask for that.”
DJS said they cannot comment on this story, as they cannot comment on individual cases.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-396-2606 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.
READ MORE:BPD: 12-year-old drove stolen car that killed motorcyclist; teen charged
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