Two Johns Hopkins students struck by hit-and-run driver

Baltimore police have a man in custody who they say hit two Johns Hopkins students and then sped off. The crash occurred about 2:15 this morning at St. Paul and 33rd streets, near the campus, the Sun's Jessica Anderson reports.

Police said one male student was in criticial condition at Maryland Shock Trauma Center. The other, a female, was less severely injured. The university, in a letter sent to students and parents, said a Johns Hopkins security officer and two Baltimore police officers working with the school chased down the suspect, who was driving a white 2010 Chevrolet Impala.

In February, another Hopkins student, 20-yar-old Nathan Krasnopoler, was struck by a car on University Parkway and suffered catestrophic injuries from which he is not expected to recover. The 83-year-old driver was charged with negligent driving and failture to yield the right of way in connection with hitting the bicyclist. The case prompted criticism because the police were slow to file charges.

Here is the statement from Hopkins:

Subject: Message from Dean Boswell: Students hurt in hit-and-run accident

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Early this morning, two of our undergraduates were struck by a hit-and-run driver as they were crossing 33rd Street near Charles Commons. I am relieved to report that it is our understanding that their injuries are not life-threatening.

I have seen and spoken directly with sophomore Benjamin Zucker and with the parents of freshman Rachel Cohen. Both students, fortunately, were conscious and spoke to responders at the accident scene. Though both are being treated at area hospitals, it appears from what we are told at this time that neither is likely to undergo a long hospitalization.

The Johns Hopkins security shift commander on duty happened to witness the accident and by radio immediately called  for assistance for the students and broadcast a description of the fleeing car. With two off-duty Baltimore police officers working for the university, he pursued and stopped the vehicle a few blocks away. The sole occupant has been arrested; the filing of charges awaits completion of the police investigation.

My thanks go to Johns Hopkins Lt. Kenneth Parks, the two off-duty police officers and all the other responding Johns Hopkins and Baltimore officers for their quick, effective work. Deepest thanks also to the Hopkins Emergency Response Unit students who provided immediate on-scene treatment, to the Baltimore Fire Department ambulance crews who arrived within minutes, and to the teams at Maryland Shock Trauma and Sinai Hospital who have cared for our students. Thanks also to the students who have provided eyewitness accounts to investigators.

At the university's request, Baltimore police have agreed to institute a traffic checkpoint in the area of the accident tonight and next weekend. We appreciate their responsiveness and their concern for our students.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Benjamin and Rachel and with their families and friends during their recovery.

Sincerely,

Susan K. Boswell
Dean of Student Life