PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A 66-year-old man has been charged after his vehicle struck a children's birthday party in Bladensburg on Saturday night, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Sunday Joseph, who was arrested on Monday around 11:30 a.m. He faces charges including criminal negligent manslaughter by vehicle and failure to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death.
The incident occurred before 10 p.m. on Saturday when Joseph's car collided with a party tent on the 4100 block of 56th Avenue. Witnesses reported that Joseph was driving in reverse at the time of the crash.
Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, 31, was killed in the incident. Among the injured, seven children have been treated and released, while one child and two adults remain hospitalized.
Bladensburg Police confirmed that Joseph fled the scene but later surrendered to law enforcement. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether speed or alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with one individual retrieving a jack to help lift the vehicle off victims. Authorities stated that they are continuing to gather evidence related to the incident.