Man arrested in deliberate West North Avenue hit-and-run

Baltimore police arrested 31-year-old Michael Akiel Manigo and charged him in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that left 48-year-old Philip Jones dead after a collision on West North Avenue on January 9. Investigators say witnesses provided a license plate that helped identify the vehicle, and that surveillance footage and follow-up interviews led to Manigo’s arrest.

Police allege the collision was deliberate; they say the suspect pursued and struck the victim and then fled the scene. During questioning, Manigo told officers he believed his vehicle was "bewitched" and controlled by Satan. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to contact Baltimore Police or Metro Crime Stoppers.

The case has underscored long-running concerns in neighborhoods along North Avenue about pedestrian safety and the visibility of violent incidents. Residents who live and work along the corridor say quick tip-offs and security camera footage continue to be decisive in moving investigations forward. Witness accounts and camera evidence drove this arrest, showing how community observations can be critical when crimes happen in public spaces.

For neighbors, the immediate impacts are practical and emotional. Families and commuters who use West North Avenue will likely see an increased police presence while detectives continue their work, and community leaders may renew calls for traffic calming measures, better street lighting, and faster follow-through on hit-and-run investigations. The loss of a local resident, Philip Jones, also adds to collective trauma in a city already grappling with public safety challenges.

Investigators are continuing to piece together the events that led up to the collision and are asking anyone who saw the vehicle, the incident, or has surveillance or doorbell video to come forward. The arrest demonstrates how digital evidence and witness memory can combine to produce results, but it also raises questions about prevention: how the city can keep people safer on busy thoroughfares and reduce the chances that a confrontation on the street turns deadly.

The takeaway? Keep an eye on your block and your cameras, and report what you see. If you witnessed the incident or have footage, contact Baltimore Police or Metro Crime Stoppers so detectives can build the full picture and the community can begin to heal. Our two cents? Stay alert, share what you know, and look out for neighbors.