BLADENSBURG, Md. — Authorities have identified 66-year-old Sunday Okedeyi Joseph, a Washington, D.C. resident, as the driver who crashed a vehicle in reverse into a children’s birthday party in Bladensburg on Saturday night, killing one person and injuring 14 others 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, veered off the roadway and into a tent set up in the front yard of a home where the celebration was taking place.

The collision left several victims trapped beneath the vehicle.

Police said 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez was pronounced dead following the crash.

Fourteen additional victims, including eight children ranging in age from 1 to 17, were injured.

Most of the injured have since been released from the hospital, though one child and two adults remain under medical care as of Monday.

Bladensburg Acting Police Chief Daniel Frishkorn stated that the crash appeared to be accidental and not intentional or targeted.

A police officer on patrol nearby was among the first to arrive on scene after being flagged down by witnesses, and he assisted in lifting the vehicle off trapped victims.

Joseph reportedly fled on foot, abandoning his car at the scene, but turned himself in to authorities at approximately 8 a.m. Sunday morning.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether alcohol or excessive speed were contributing factors.

Chief Frishkorn described the situation as “highly unusual,” noting the rarity of a fatal crash involving a vehicle being driven in reverse.

Joseph now faces multiple charges, including:

• Criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle
• Negligent manslaughter by automobile
• Failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving death

At a press conference Monday, Bladensburg Mayor Takisha James expressed the community’s collective grief and extended condolences to the victims and their families.

“Please know that the town of Bladensburg is fully committed to ensuring that the individual responsible is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Mayor James said. “To the victims who are still recovering, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We wish you strength, comfort, and complete healing — not only from your physical injuries, but also from the emotional pain that accompanies such a traumatic experience.”

The investigation remains ongoing.