Driver arrested in deadly Bladensburg birthday party crash

DC man charged in crash that killed 1, injured 12 at birthday party

Authorities have arrested the man accused of crashing into the front yard of a Bladensburg home during a child’s birthday party, killing one woman and injuring 13 others.

BLADENSBURG, Md. - Authorities have arrested the man accused of crashing into the front yard of a Bladensburg home during a child’s birthday party, killing one woman and injuring 13 others.

Driver identified by police

Officers say 66-year-old Sunday Joseph was driving in reverse when he went into the yard where a large tent had been set up for the celebration just before 10:15 p.m. on Saturday. 

Police ID driver accused in deadly birthday party crash

Authorities have identified the man accused of crashing into the front yard of a Bladensburg home during a child’s birthday party, killing one woman and injuring more than a dozen others.

At a press conference on Monday, Bladensburg Acting Police Chief Daniel Frishkorn said Joseph initially left the scene but turned himself in the following morning at 8 a.m. and was interviewed by a crash investigator. He was believed to have been alone in the car at the time of the crash and left the scene on foot. 

On Monday morning around 11:30 a.m., Sunday Joseph, 66, was taken into custody on several charges, including Criminal Negligent Manslaughter by vehicle, Negligent Manslaughter by auto and Failure to remain at the scene of an accident where a death occurred. 

"The investigation will determine if the accident was alcohol-related and if speed was a factor. We currently have some witness information that both of those may have been a factor. However, additional investigation will determine if that’s the case," said Frischkron.

Frishkorn said the crash appeared accidental, but the investigation is continuing. Joseph does not have a prior driving history and possesses a valid license, according to police.

READ MORE: Shock turns to grief after 1 killed, 13 injured in hit-and-run at child’s birthday party

Crash leaves one dead

Frishkorn said 14 people were injured in the crash, including 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Guiterrez of Washington, D.C., who later died from her injuries. As of Monday morning, one child and two adults remained hospitalized.

Officers came across the scene while patrolling the area, Frishkorn said, and helped lift the vehicle off trapped victims.