Police say 13-year-old was driving stolen vehicle at time of fatal crash
GERMANTOWN, Md. — A Virginia man was killed after a stolen Kia carrying seven juveniles crashed into his vehicle at a Germantown intersection, according to Montgomery County police.
The collision occurred at approximately 5:25 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway.
Responding officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel found both vehicles heavily damaged.
Police identified the victim as 58-year-old William Vance Payne II of Virginia, who was driving a 2007 Toyota Matrix. He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, the preliminary investigation determined that a white 2015 Kia Optima was traveling northbound on Great Seneca Highway when it entered the intersection and struck the eastbound Toyota Matrix on Clopper Road.
Investigators said the Kia had been reported stolen from Germantown several hours after the collision.
Police said the Kia was occupied by seven juveniles ranging in age from 12 to 15, including four girls, ages 14, 14, 13 and 12, and three boys, ages 15, 13 and 12.
Authorities said a 13-year-old boy was driving the Kia. He was transported to a hospital in critical but stable condition. The six other juvenile occupants were taken to area trauma centers.
The Montgomery County Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate. Officials said the investigation could take several weeks or months to complete.
Police said any charges related to the crash will be determined by the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office after investigators present the evidence.
Key Points
- A Virginia man was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Germantown.
- Police said a 13-year-old was driving a stolen Kia carrying seven juveniles.
- The crash remains under investigation, and charging decisions have not been made.
