Teen Driver Who Struck 5-Year-Old Turns Himself In

ESSEX, Md. (WJZ) — A teenage boy turns himself into Baltimore County police in connection with a hit-and-run accident near an Essex school that left a five-year-old boy in critical condition.

Meghan McCorkell with the new developments.

Police say the teen driver will be released, with charges against him pending.

The Essex community is still in shock after five-year-old D.J. Marcus was struck in a hit-and-run near Deep Creek Middle School Saturday night. Marcus is in critical condition.

Police say the driver, a teenage boy, turned himself in Monday afternoon.

Investigators also have the truck used in the incident -- a 2010 GMC Yukon Denali.

"How can you not stop? I mean, besides hitting somebody, you hit a child," said Hildwein.

People in the neighborhood tell WJZ they fear it could happen again.

"Cars fly up and down these streets, up and down these streets," said Duane Dennard.

People say even with a heavy police presence, more could be done to deter speeding in an area so close to children.

"They need to put more lights around here, they need Citizens on Patrol or something around here," Dennard said.

Meanwhile, a community is coming together and hoping for the best.

"I'm sending hugs, prayers and everything. I hope the little boy pulls through," said Hildwein.

The incident remains under investigation by the Baltimore County Police Department Crash Team.

The investigation is expected to take several weeks.