Wheaton High student run down in parking lot in critical condition

Here's a look at the parking lot where the teen was struck. (WTOP/John Aaron)
Damage done to Chevrolet Avalanche involved in the incident. (Courtesy Montgomery County Police Department)
Damage done to Chevrolet Avalanche involved in the incident. (Courtesy Montgomery County Police Department)
Damage done to Chevrolet Avalanche involved in the incident. (Courtesy Montgomery County Police Department)
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WASHINGTON — Police are releasing new information on what originally looked like a hit-and-run in accident Wheaton.

At around 7 p.m. Thursday, a 17-year old was hit by a truck in the parking lot of the Stoneymill Square shopping center, near the intersection of Veirs Mill Road and Randolph Road.

Montgomery County police said that teenager remained in critical condition Friday. Initial reports identified him as a student at Wheaton High School. Now, police say the driver of the Chevrolet Avalanche that was involved in the crash may have been trying to escape an attack.

In the hours following the incident, the driver and two passengers showed up at a police station. They told detectives they were leaving a Burger King when a group of five to 10 males ran at them, threw rocks at their truck, and tried to get inside. There was evidence rocks had been thrown at the truck.

Officers now say the teen may have been hit as the driver tried to get away. They had originally said the teen may have been hit intentionally. The 21-year-old driver told police he was unaware he had hit anyone.

Police cannot yet confirm whether the teen who was hit was part of the group.

An investigation is ongoing and anyone who saw what happened at the shopping center is asked to contact police. The number for police is 301-279-8000.

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