PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A 66-year-old man from D.C. has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred during a children's birthday party on Saturday night.
Authorities identified the driver as Sunday Joseph. He was arrested on Monday at approximately 11:30 a.m. and faces charges including criminal negligent manslaughter by vehicle and failure to remain at the scene of an accident resulting in death.
The incident took place just before 10 p.m. on Saturday when Joseph's vehicle reportedly reversed into a party tent outside a home on the 4100 block of 56th Avenue, near Annapolis Road. Witnesses stated they heard the impact and rushed to assist the victims.
One woman, 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, was killed in the incident. Among the injured were six adults and eight children; seven children have since been treated and released from medical care, while one child and two adults remain hospitalized.
Authorities are investigating whether Joseph was under the influence or speeding at the time of the crash. He fled the scene but later surrendered to police.
According to the Bladensburg Police Department, the vehicle was lifted off some victims by emergency responders.