PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A 66-year-old D.C. man has been charged after driving into a children's birthday party, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
On Saturday night around 10 p.m., Joseph Sunday reportedly reversed his vehicle into a party tent on the 4100 block of 56th Avenue, according to Bladensburg Police. The crash claimed the life of 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez and injured six adults and eight children.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the incident, and police have noted that seven children were treated and released, while one child and two adults remain hospitalized.
Joseph was arrested Monday at approximately 11:30 a.m. He faces charges of negligent manslaughter by vehicle, criminally negligent manslaughter, and failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving a fatality. Authorities are investigating whether he was under the influence of alcohol or speeding at the time of the crash.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one individual saying he ran to a nearby gas station for equipment to help lift the car off victims after hearing the impact.
Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as available.