Police car at the scene of a criminal related incident

OLDTOWN, Md. – A 19-year-old from Oldtown has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a pedestrian critically injured along Route 51 earlier this month, according to the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said the collision happened during the early morning hours of October 18 when a driver, who had just been involved in a separate crash, was struck while standing in the roadway.

The victim, who was receiving help from other motorists, was hit by a light-colored pickup truck that immediately fled the scene.

Key Points

Braden Lee Powell, 19, of Oldtown, was arrested in a Route 51 hit-and-run investigation.
The pedestrian victim was flown to a Pennsylvania hospital in critical condition.
Tips from the public helped investigators identify and locate the suspect vehicle.

Arrest made after public assistance

Investigators said Major Dave Morgan received a key tip shortly before the Sheriff’s Office publicly requested help identifying the suspect truck. The department’s Crash Team followed up on multiple leads and conducted several interviews that ultimately led to the identification of the driver.

Charges and ongoing investigation

An arrest warrant for Braden Lee Powell was issued by the District Court and served on October 22. Powell was taken into custody and booked into the Allegany County Detention Center, where he awaits an initial court appearance. Authorities said the case remains under investigation as additional witness statements are reviewed.

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