Posted by: jpeach@baltimorecountymd.gov

UPDATE (March 20, 2020 9 a.m.):

Maria Popal would have turned 13 years old last month, but instead of celebrating her birthday her family still mourns her death.

March 22 marks one year that Maria was struck by a vehicle as she was crossing North Rolling Road around 9:24 p.m. with her aunt. The vehicle that struck both Maria and her aunt, who survived the collision, left the scene.

Investigators believe it is possible that the driver may not have realized it was a person that was struck at the time of the crash, but their vehicle would likely have had front passenger-side damage from the collision. Police are asking the driver of this vehicle to come forward and bring this family closure. The vehicle believed to be responsible, possibly a Honda Accord, was seen on surveillance video traveling south on North Rolling Road after the collision.

Anyone who may have information on this crash, this driver or the vehicle involved is asked to contact the Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team by calling 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.

UPDATE (April 4, 2019 2 p.m.)

Baltimore County Police continue to work to seek closure for Maria Popal’s family in the hit-and-run death of their daughter nearly two weeks ago.

Investigators from the Crash Investigation Team have obtained additional surveillance video from surrounding businesses that may contain images of the suspect vehicle, believed to be a 1990-1993 Honda Accord, as depicted in previously released video. The Honda would have incurred damage to the front passenger side area of the vehicle when it struck Maria and her aunt.

Maria turned 12-years-old just a month before she was hit and killed while crossing North Rolling Road with her pregnant aunt a little after 9 p.m. Friday night, March 22. Her aunt, a 32-year-old woman, continues to recover from the crash following her release from Sinai Hospital.

Maria was looking forward to enrolling in 5th grade as she had just returned home after spending time with family in Afghanistan. She was the eldest child and only daughter of her parents, leaving behind two younger brothers, and was enjoying being reunited with her family. Maria loved math and was one of the highest rated students in her previous elementary school. Maria loved art, flowers, and riding her bike. She had a bright future ahead of her.

Investigators are hoping that anyone with information about this tragic event will come forward immediately to help Maria’s family find closure by contacting police.

If you know who the driver of this Honda Accord is or if you have information about where this vehicle can be found, call 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward when submitting tips in this case through Metro Crime Stoppers:

Metro Crime Stoppers , an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses.

Anonymous tips can be sent to Metro Crime Stoppers by phone, online or via mobile app.

Phone: 1-866-7LOCKUP

Web tip: www.metrocrimestoppers.org

NEW Mobile App: P3TIPS

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UPDATE (March 26, 2019 11:13 a.m.):

Baltimore County Police Crash Team investigators continue to search for the vehicle responsible for the death of a 12-year-old girl and the critical injury of her pregnant aunt Friday night on North Rolling Road in Catonsville.

Police have released this surveillance video of the suspect vehicle which can be seen fleeing the scene from left to right across the screen after the collision. The vehicle is believed to be an early 90's model Honda Accord that may have a black stripe or trim across the doors. The vehicle will likely have damage to the front passenger side corner of the vehicle.

Anyone who sees a vehicle similar to this description should call 9-1-1 immediately or contact police at 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous. Every tip, regardless of how small, will be investigated. Tips received through Metro Crime Stoppers may also be eligible for a reward:

Reward Offered

Metro Crime Stoppers , an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses.

Anonymous tips can be sent to Metro Crime Stoppers by phone, online or via mobile app.

Phone: 1-866-7LOCKUP

Web tip: www.metrocrimestoppers.org

NEW Mobile App: P3TIPS

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Original Release (March 23, 2019 9:16 a.m.):

Hit-and-Run Crash in Catonsville Kills Child

A hit-and-run crash on North Rolling Road in Catonsville last night killed a child and critically injured a pregnant woman.

Police responded around 9:21 p.m. when the suspect vehicle, traveling southbound on North Rolling Road, struck both pedestrians as they crossed North Rolling Road at Johnnycake Road in an easterly direction. The suspect vehicle made no attempt to stop but continued fleeing in a southerly direction on North Rolling Road.

The woman, 32, was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening wounds but is in stable condition this morning. The condition of her pregnancy is unknown at the time of this posting.

The child, a 12-year-old girl identified as Maria Popal, was transported to Sinai Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

The suspect vehicle has not yet been located. It has been described as an older model, possibly 1990-1991, Honda Accord that may be a darker colored vehicle. The Honda Accord should have damage to the front passenger side of the vehicle.

Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information regarding this crash to contact police by calling 410-307-2020. Tips submitted through Metro Crime Stoppers may also be eligible for a reward:

Reward Offered

Metro Crime Stoppers , an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses.

Anonymous tips can be sent to Metro Crime Stoppers by phone, online or via mobile app.

Phone: 1-866-7LOCKUP

Web tip: www.metrocrimestoppers.org

NEW Mobile App: P3TIPS