CAMP SPRINGS, M.D. — Maryland State Police are investigating a tragic crash in Prince George’s County that resulted in the death of a 16-month-old infant. The incident occurred on the morning of August 15 during a police pursuit that began in Virginia.
The deceased victim has been identified as Za’riyah Plummer, 16 months old, from Virginia Beach.
Maryland State Police Aviation Command airlifted her to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she was later pronounced dead.
Two other juveniles, Zayin Plummer, 7, and Zayir Plummer, 5, both also from Virginia Beach, were transported by ground to Children’s National Hospital for medical treatment.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Dana Plummer, 36, from Virginia Beach, was taken to Capital Region Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. He was driving a black Honda Passport SUV at the time of the crash, with all three children inside.
The incident began shortly before 9:00 a.m., when Maryland State Police received a request for assistance from Virginia State Police, who were involved in a pursuit related to an active Amber Alert issued by the Virginia Beach Police Department earlier that morning.
The pursuit crossed into Maryland via the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, with the suspect vehicle continuing northbound on I-495. The crash occurred as the vehicle attempted to take the ramp from northbound I-495 to southbound Route 5/Branch Avenue, resulting in a collision with other vehicles and the SUV overturning.
Troopers from the Forestville Barrack responded to the scene and found three vehicles involved in the crash. No other injuries were reported.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation into the crash, while Virginia State Police continue to investigate the pursuit that led to the fatal incident.
The Virginia Beach Police Department coordinated the Amber Alert with Virginia State Police, which was issued at 2:00 a.m. on August 15.
Assistance at the crash site was provided by officers from the Prince George’s County Police Department, personnel from the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department, and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, which managed lane closures and detours.
