BLADENSBURG, Md — A tragic scene unfolded Saturday night when a vehicle plowed into a child’s birthday party in Bladensburg, Maryland, killing one woman and injuring several others, including multiple children.
Police said the crash happened just after 10 p.m. in the 5400 block of Quincy Place, a few miles northeast of Washington, D.C. Investigators determined that a car traveling from the area of Annapolis Road veered off the roadway and struck a crowd of people gathered under a tent in front of a home for the celebration.
Authorities confirmed that 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, of Washington, D.C., was among those struck and later died from her injuries. In total, 14 people were hit, including eight children ranging in age from 1 to 17 years old.
As of Sunday morning, six of the children had been treated and released from the hospital, while one remains in stable condition. Among the adults, one has been released, three are stable, and one remains under evaluation.
Police said the driver fled the scene immediately after the crash. However, in an update Sunday afternoon, officials announced that the 66-year-old suspect from Washington, D.C., had turned himself in to authorities.
Consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office is ongoing, and criminal charges are expected to be filed.
Bladensburg police continue to investigate and are urging anyone with information to contact their Criminal Investigations Division at (301) 864-6080.
- This devastating incident has left the Bladensburg community in shock as family, friends, and neighbors grieve the loss of Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez and pray for the recovery of the injured children and adults.