Toddler Fatally Struck Was Accident, Driver Won't Be Charged: Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Police won't charge the driver who fatally struck a toddler in an Annapolis parking lot after officers ruled it an accident with no criminal wrongdoing.

"We all mourn the loss. ... He was 2 years old. That's a baby," Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson said at a Wednesday press conference recorded by Eye On Annapolis.

WJZ reported that a memorial with flowers, candles and stuffed animals was erected at the Eastport crash scene.

"The entire neighborhood, everyone is devastated with what happened here," neighbor Mike Mattingly told WJZ.

Jackson said the accident happened Tuesday around 3:53 p.m. in the 600 block of Americana Drive.

Police said the child and his mother had just exited a vehicle, and the mom set the boy on the curb.

Officers said the victim then ran into the path of a vehicle and was struck. The Baltimore Banner reported a pickup truck hit the toddler in the parking lot of an Eastport apartment complex.

Medics pronounced the child dead at the scene, authorities said.

"This is every parent's nightmare," Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said in a statement read by Annapolis Police Department Capt. Lamar Howard. "We want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to support the family in this time of grief."

Jackson said the driver left the scene without realizing he hit the child. He later contacted police after learning what happened.

Officers said they consulted with the Anne Arundel County state's attorney and found no criminal intent that warranted charges.

"I thank the driver for doing the right thing," Buckley said in the statement. "We will continue to work with the family and provide resources, and I offer my deepest condolences on the loss of this bright, young light. It is devastating."

Jackson urged community members not to retaliate after the "very horrific and tragic accident."

"I can't imagine the pain that they're going through now," Jackson said. "All of our hearts ache and grieve with the family and this community."

This map shows the area where authorities said the accident happened.