A burned car is not linked to a serious hit-and-run that took place Tuesday night.
A woman and her daughter were struck by a vehicle in the Aspen Hill area of Montgomery County. They were trying to cross Bel Pre Road near the intersection of Connecticut Avenue when they were hit.
Cristina Lopez-Dodd, 49, and her 13-year-old daughter, Natalia Jallorina, were taken to an area hospital. The mother is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. The daughter is expected to be OK.
They were struck at an intersection that has become known for dangerous crashes. In April, a 53-year-old woman was struck and killed while crossing in nearly the same spot.
Safety additions, including traffic lights, an island and crosswalks, have been added to the intersection in recent years, but the tragic accidents keep happening, residents said.
Arson investigators responded to a report of a burned car that and determined the fire was intentionally set. Police initially believe that car was involved in the hit-and-run bu have since determined that it wasn't, Montgomery County police Lt. Paul Starks said.
Police are focusing on tracking down the driver.
"I don't know what's in that driver's mind," Starks said. "We don't know anything about the driver, but we're asking her or him to turn themselves in."
Investigators have received some conflicting information about the car that hit the mother and daughter; they are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call police.
