An attorney representing a woman who was struck by an Amazon delivery truck in an alleged hit-and-run last month says she has forgiven the driver.
David Ellin, the lawyer for Chelsey Douglas, told TMZ his 29-year-old client is not upset with the driver who ran her over and left her lying injured on a Baltimore street, the outlet reported Wednesday, March 5.
According to Ellin, Douglas feels that the driver only fled the scene because they “panicked.”
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The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the crosswalk of E. Pratt St. and S. Chester St., and was captured on a resident’s doorbell camera, WBAL-TV reported.
“I’m just glad to hear they’re okay,” Aidan Shawyer, who lives in the neighborhood, told the news station.
“I worry walking all around the city sometimes just because people are always blowing through lights,” Shawyer told WBAL-TV. “I don’t know if that’s what happened in this situation. When I got home today, I parked up the street, and someone was going 40 mph down these roads, so people are just moving quick all the time.”
Although Ellin told TMZ that Douglas has since been released from the hospital, she has a long recovery ahead of her.
Rene Cardona, an organizer for a GoFundMe in Douglas’ name, said the woman “sustained life-changing injuries while walking through her Baltimore neighborhood.”
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“While the driver responsible left the scene, we have been comforted that so many individuals immediately came forward to help. Neighbors, friends, and Chelsey’s new city have rallied to show the good we can do together,” Cardona wrote.
The GoFundMe has raised more than $18,000 of its $50,000 goal, which will go towards Douglas’ “many treatments in the months to come” as well as “tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills” she will incur while unable to work.
The driver of the Amazon delivery truck was identified as 26-year-old Jerome Young of Baltimore County, WBAL-TV reported on Feb. 20.
He is facing charges of negligent and reckless driving after turning himself in to police, the news station reported.
Following the accident, Young was placed on suspension before Amazon later shared another update.
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“This is a terrible incident and we’re fully supporting law enforcement as they continue their investigation,” said Amazon spokesperson Austin Stowe. “The individual in question is no longer delivering to Amazon customers.”
An investigation remains underway by the Baltimore City Police Department.
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