79-year-old New Jersey woman died days after collision
WASHINGTON, DC — A woman injured in a crash while riding a motorized mobility scooter in Southeast DC has died from her injuries, and the driver accused of striking her now faces the possibility of additional charges.
The collision happened at approximately 9 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at the intersection of 14th Street and Independence Avenue in Southeast DC. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Park Police officers responded to the scene and found an adult woman with serious injuries in the roadway.
The woman, later identified as 79-year-old Virginia Voight of Palmyra, New Jersey, was flown by a U.S. Park Police helicopter to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigators said the preliminary investigation determined Voight was traveling eastbound in the north crosswalk on a motorized electric mobility scooter while a white 2016 Ford F-150 was traveling westbound on Independence Avenue before turning right onto 14th Street. The pickup struck Voight in the crosswalk.
Police said the driver continued driving until a member of the National Guard intervened and detained him until officers arrived.
The driver, identified as 55-year-old Michael Wayne Mills of Germantown, Maryland, was arrested at the scene and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs and Leaving After Colliding.
Voight died from her injuries on Sunday, July 12, according to police.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit is continuing to investigate the fatal collision. Police said additional charges are pending.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text tips to 50411.
Key Points
- A 79-year-old New Jersey woman died after being struck while riding a mobility scooter in Southeast DC.
- The driver was arrested on DUI and leaving after colliding charges at the scene.
- Police said additional charges are pending as the fatal crash investigation continues.
