Pedestrian Fatally Struck by Car in Bel Air; May Have Been Under Influence of Alcohol

From the Maryland State Police:

(Bel Air, MD) – On Dec. 9 at 5:23 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack responded to a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at Rock Spring Road (Maryland Route 924) near James Ave, Bel Air, Maryland.

Currently, investigators have identified the pedestrian who was struck as Michael Francis Gist, 23, of Jarrettsville, Maryland. The striking vehicle is identified as a 2003 Kia Sonoma, operated by Tina Holland, 37, of Forest Hill, Maryland.

The Kia Sonoma was traveling southbound on Rock Spring Road when the collision occurred. Preliminarily, investigators believe that Mr. Gist was in the travel portion of Rock Spring Road when he was struck by the Kia. It is possible that Mr. Gist was under the influence of alcoholic beverages at the time of the crash. Mr. Gist was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. Operator Holland was not injured in the collision.

The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while investigators from the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack investigated the collision.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.