BLADENSBURG, Md. — Authorities have identified 66-year-old Sunday Okedeyi Joseph of Washington, D.C., as the driver who crashed a vehicle in reverse into a children’s birthday party in Bladensburg on Saturday night, leaving one person dead and fourteen others injured before fleeing the scene on foot.
According to the Bladensburg Police Department, the tragic incident occurred shortly before 10:15 p.m. when Joseph, while driving in reverse, lost control of his vehicle and veered off the roadway into a tent set up in the front yard of a home where the party was being held. The vehicle plowed through the gathering, trapping several victims beneath it as panicked witnesses rushed to help.
Police confirmed that 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez was pronounced dead as a result of the crash. Fourteen others — including eight children ranging from ages 1 to 17 — were injured. Most have since been released from the hospital, but one child and two adults remain under medical care as of Monday. Emergency personnel, aided by a nearby police officer who responded within moments, worked urgently to lift the vehicle and rescue those trapped underneath.
Investigators say Joseph fled the scene on foot after the crash, abandoning his vehicle. He later turned himself in to authorities around 8 a.m. Sunday, several hours after the incident. Bladensburg Acting Police Chief Daniel Frishkorn described the crash as “highly unusual,” adding that preliminary findings suggest it was accidental rather than intentional or targeted. Police are still investigating whether alcohol or speed played a role.
Joseph has been charged with criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle, negligent manslaughter by automobile, and failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving death. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
During a Monday press conference, Bladensburg Mayor Takisha James expressed condolences to the victims and their families, calling the tragedy “heartbreaking.” She assured residents that the town is committed to pursuing justice, saying, “To the victims who are still recovering, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish you strength, comfort, and complete healing.” Police have asked anyone with additional information to contact investigators as the community continues to grieve this devastating loss.