MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A Virginia man died following a crash involving a stolen vehicle driven by a 13-year-old in Germantown on Tuesday.
William Vance Payne, 58, was operating a 2007 Toyota Matrix at the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway when it was struck by a 2015 Kia Optima carrying seven minors, aged 12 to 15, according to Montgomery County Police.
The Kia, reported stolen, was traveling north on Great Seneca Highway at the time of the collision. Witnesses reported that the group inside the Kia included four girls aged 12, 13, and two 14-year-olds, and three boys aged 12, 13, and 15.
The 13-year-old driver sustained critical but stable injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Other minors were also transported to trauma centers, but their injuries have not been disclosed.
Authorities have not released information regarding potential charges for the minors involved, indicating that such decisions will be made by the State's Attorney.
Payne was en route to work for the National Institute of Standards and Technology when the incident occurred, according to an online fundraiser for his family. The NIST described Payne as a long-time mechanical engineer dedicated to improving residential heating and cooling systems.
This investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as details emerge.