Amazon Van Incident In Baltimore Sparks Public Safety Debate

Prime delivery van parked on the street.

An Amazon delivery van struck and dragged a woman in Baltimore, then fled the scene, raising concerns about pedestrian safety and corporate responsibility.

Key Takeaways

A 29-year-old woman was hit by an Amazon delivery van in Baltimore’s Butchers Hill neighborhood.
The driver initially stopped but then fled the scene, leaving the injured woman behind.
Amazon has suspended the driver pending a police investigation.
The incident has sparked discussions about pedestrian safety and corporate accountability.
Maryland law imposes severe penalties for hit-and-run incidents, including potential felony charges.

Shocking Incident Caught on Camera

A disturbing hit-and-run incident involving an Amazon delivery van and a pedestrian has shaken the Baltimore community. The event, which occurred at the intersection of E. Pratt and S. Chester Streets in the Butchers Hill neighborhood, was captured on video and has since gone viral, prompting outrage and calls for action.

According to police reports, the incident took place around 9:30 p.m. when a 29-year-old woman attempted to cross the street. Surveillance footage shows the Amazon van striking the woman in the crosswalk, hesitating momentarily, and then proceeding to drive over her with the back wheels. The driver briefly stopped to check on the woman before inexplicably fleeing the scene, leaving the victim lying injured on the pavement.

Graphic video obtained by 11 News Investigates shows an Amazon delivery van hitting and dragging a woman before fleeing.

What police say about the investigation, in the WBAL-TV app: https://t.co/MmiJITFMjQ pic.twitter.com/55qJqu4v1S

— WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore (@wbaltv11) February 19, 2025

Community Response and Safety Concerns

The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who have long expressed concerns about pedestrian safety in the area. Aiden Shawyer, a nearby resident, commented on the horrifying nature of the event, highlighting the dangerous conditions for pedestrians in the neighborhood.

“That sound is horrifying,” Shawyer stated. “I didn’t even know that was possible. I’m really surprised a camera even caught that sound. That just goes to show how horrible it must have been.”

The community’s reaction underscores the need for improved safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to protect pedestrians. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by individuals navigating busy urban streets, especially during evening hours when visibility may be reduced.

Amazon’s Response and Legal Implications

In the wake of this alarming incident, Amazon has taken swift action by suspending the driver pending a police investigation. The company has also pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the driver’s employer as the investigation unfolds.

“We were made aware of this terrible incident today,” an Amazon spokesperson said. “The driver in question has been suspended from delivering on our behalf and we’re working with his employer and law enforcement as they investigate.”

The incident raises serious questions about corporate responsibility and the vetting processes for delivery drivers. It also highlights the importance of proper training and accountability measures for those operating vehicles on behalf of large corporations.

Under Maryland law, hit-and-run incidents are treated with utmost severity. Perpetrators can face felony charges and substantial prison time, emphasizing the legal system’s stance on such irresponsible and dangerous behavior. This case may serve as a precedent for how similar incidents involving corporate vehicles are handled in the future.

Victim’s Condition and Ongoing Investigation

Fortunately, despite the horrific nature of the incident, the victim’s injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. She was promptly taken to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to recover. The community has rallied around the victim, with many expressing relief at her survival and hoping for her swift recovery.

As the police investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the potential consequences of fleeing the scene of an accident. It also underscores the critical role that surveillance cameras and eyewitness accounts play in bringing justice to victims of such incidents.

This shocking event has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the Baltimore community, prompting discussions about traffic safety, corporate accountability, and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. As the investigation unfolds, many hope that it will lead to concrete actions to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of all road users, particularly vulnerable pedestrians.