TOWSON, Md. — After 20-year-old Towson University student Mzi Ncube was killed in a hit and run crash last weekend, many have been calling for the driver to come forward.
On Sunday, many shared relief knowing the suspect has been arrested, including the Ncube family and Morris Hudson, the founder of a peer to peer mentoring program Mzi volunteered with for years.
"We've been praying, wringing our hands, just asking God to bring justice for Mzi. Give Mzi justice. I hate to think about the fact that he died on the street and that his murderer would walk free. We believed that the police would be able to arrest this man and our prayers were answered," Hudson said.
Baltimore County Police received information that identified the suspect as 36-year-old Man Bahadur Gurung of the 1400 block of Chesaco Avenue. Using the tip, investigators were able to find evidence that linked the wanted gray 2017 Toyota Tundra to Gurung.
In a statement, the Ncube family says, "We thank the Baltimore County Police for their diligence in investigating and securing an arrest in the hit-and-run that killed our beloved brother. We are humbled by the response of the community in providing information that led to the arrest and for the outpouring of support and messages of comfort. We can now start our healing process."
Towson University sent out this tweet following news of the arrest.
We are pleased to hear of @BaltCoPolice investigators’ progress and are hopeful it can bring comfort to the family and our community. https://t.co/7bfvBUAc0z
— Towson University (@TowsonU) December 16, 2018
RELATED: Towson University student killed in hit and run; Police searching for driver
On December 8, police say 20-year-old Towson University student Mzimazisi Ncube, known to many as Mzi, was crossing North Charles Street south of Ruxton Ridge Road when someone driving north in a Toyota truck hit him on the drivers side, and then took off. Police say Ncube was knocked down and then hit by a second car. That driver stopped, called 911 and tried to render aid, but Ncube died at a local hospital.
"This guy deserves every single thing that's coming to him because if it hadn't been for some Samaritan giving that tip, he would still be walking free," Hudson said.
Hudson says the Gaithersburg community is planning a candlelight vigil Friday night near the high school.
"He'll be remembered for that infectious smile and for the service that he gave. So we move forward knowing that though we lost out brother, his memory lives on in our service to other people," Hudson said.
Baltimore County Police are still investigating what caused the crash and whether speed or alcohol were factors. Gurung faces four charges relating to the crash, including failing to remain at the scene of a fatal accident and additional charges.
He is currently being held at the Baltimore County Department of Corrections on denied bail status. He will have a bail review hearing on Monday.
