MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — William Vance Payne, 58, was killed in a crash involving a stolen vehicle driven by a 13-year-old on Tuesday in Germantown, according to Montgomery County Police.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway while Payne was driving a 2007 Toyota Matrix. A 2015 Kia Optima, occupied by seven minors aged 12 to 15, struck his vehicle.
Authorities said the Kia, reported stolen, was traveling north on Great Seneca Highway when the crash occurred. The accused driver, a 13-year-old, was hospitalized in critical but stable condition, while the other minors were transported to local trauma centers; their injuries remain undisclosed.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police have not confirmed potential charges for the minors, noting that such decisions will be made by the State's Attorney.
According to an online fundraiser, Payne was en route to work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the time of the incident. NIST released a statement honoring him, highlighting his 29 years of service and contributions as a mechanical engineer.