Overview
- A two-vehicle crash at Clopper Road and Great Seneca Highway left 58-year-old William Vance Payne II dead and prompted a mass-casualty response from first responders after the collision early Tuesday.
- Police say a white 2015 Kia Optima carrying seven juveniles aged 12 to 15 was being driven by a 13-year-old when it entered the intersection and struck Payne’s Toyota.
- The 13-year-old driver was taken to a hospital in critical but stable condition and the six other juveniles were transported to area trauma centers with injuries that range in severity.
- Authorities reported the Kia was later reported stolen from a Germantown residence and the Montgomery County Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is leading a probe that could take weeks or months.
- The case has renewed local calls for stronger juvenile accountability and parental responsibility, and any criminal charges will be decided by the Montgomery County State's Attorney after investigators present evidence.