A 20-year-old man died Friday after fleeing a traffic stop on a moped and crashing into a wall in West Baltimore, according to police. Officers had attempted to pull over two mopeds in the 100 block of North Eutaw Street. One rider stopped. The other took off and later collided with a wall on West Franklin Street. The injured man was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police account of the stop and crash
As reported by WBAL-TV, Baltimore police say an officer initiated the traffic stop in the 100 block of North Eutaw Street when one of the two mopeds left the scene. The department told the station that the fleeing moped later struck a wall on West Franklin Street and that someone at the crash site flagged down another officer. Police also said the officer who first made the stop did not pursue the moped that fled.
Police are asking witnesses to come forward
The Baltimore Police Department is urging anyone who saw the crash or who has video to contact Crash Team investigators at 410-396-2606 or submit an anonymous tip to Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP, according to the Baltimore Police Department. Media advisories note that the Accident Investigation Unit typically gathers witness statements and camera footage as part of its work. Detectives will review the scene and any available video to piece together how the collision unfolded.
Context: scooter and moped crashes in the city
The fatal crash comes amid other recent deadly incidents involving micromobility in Baltimore, including a 19-year-old scooter rider killed on Broadway East in June. As teen scooter rider killed in Broadway East crash coverage noted, the city's Crash Team handled that investigation and asked residents with footage to come forward.
What happens next
Police say the investigation is active and details remain limited. No arrests or charges have been announced at this time. Detectives are continuing to collect evidence at the scene and review any available footage, and the department has reiterated its tip lines for anyone with information.
