PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A 66-year-old D.C. man, Sunday Joseph, is accused of driving his car into a children's birthday party, resulting in one fatality and injuries to 14 others on Saturday night.
The crash occurred before 10 p.m. in the 4100 block of 56th Avenue, when Joseph, reportedly driving in reverse, collided with a party tent, according to authorities.
Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene. Of the 14 injured, seven children have been treated and released, while one child remains hospitalized. Two of the six injured adults are still receiving medical care.
Joseph was arrested on Monday at approximately 11:30 a.m. He faces charges including criminal negligent manslaughter by vehicle and failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving a death.
Witnesses reported chaos following the impact, with one individual describing a frantic scene and their attempt to assist by retrieving equipment to lift the vehicle off the victims.
Bladensburg Police are investigating whether Joseph was under the influence or speeding at the time of the incident. He initially fled the scene but later surrendered to law enforcement.
Emergency responders removed the vehicle from some victims, and the investigation remains ongoing.