13-Year-Old Driving Stolen Car With Seven Children Inside Crashes, Killing Virginia Man
A quiet Maryland morning turned into a heartbreaking tragedy after a 13-year-old boy allegedly drove a stolen vehicle carrying seven other children and crashed into another car, killing a 58-year-old man who was heading to work.
The deadly collision happened early Tuesday morning in Germantown, Maryland, a suburb northwest of Washington, D.C., according to the Montgomery County Police Department. Authorities said the crash involved a stolen 2015 Kia Optima and a 2007 Toyota Matrix, leaving both vehicles heavily damaged.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as Virginia resident William Vance Payne II, was pronounced dead at the scene. Payne, a father of five and longtime employee at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was traveling to work when the crash occurred.
The incident has shaken the local community and raised serious questions about how a group of children gained access to a stolen vehicle and ended up involved in a fatal crash.
Stolen Kia Carrying Eight Children Crashes in Germantown
Police said the crash unfolded just before 5:30 a.m. when the stolen Kia entered an intersection and collided with Payne’s vehicle.
According to investigators, the Kia was traveling northbound when it struck the Toyota, which was traveling eastbound. The force of the impact caused both vehicles to suffer extensive damage, with images from the scene showing the Kia overturned after the crash.
Inside the stolen vehicle were seven children, including four girls and three boys. Police said the passengers ranged in age from 12 to 15 years old.
The 13-year-old boy behind the wheel was identified as the driver. Authorities said he was taken to a hospital in critical but stable condition, while the other children were transported to area trauma centers for treatment.
Police have not provided an update on the children’s conditions.
The Kia had been reported stolen after the crash, according to authorities. Investigators are now working to determine how the children obtained the vehicle and what events led up to the collision.
Community Left Searching for Answers
The crash has sparked concern among residents who are struggling to understand how a group of children ended up in a stolen car before sunrise.
Montgomery County Police spokesperson Shiera Goff said the situation highlights the importance of parents knowing where their children are and what they are doing.
“At this age, they’re not supposed to be driving,” Goff told NBC4 Washington. “Parents, just make sure you know where your children are.”
Authorities also revealed that not all of the children in the Kia were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the vehicle theft, the children’s actions before the crash, and whether additional factors played a role.
The investigation could take weeks or even months to complete. Police said any potential charges will ultimately be determined by the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Officials have not announced whether any adults may face legal consequences related to the incident.
Victim Remembered as Dedicated Engineer and Father
While investigators focus on the crash, Payne’s family and colleagues are mourning the loss of a respected engineer who dedicated nearly three decades to public service.
Payne worked at the National Institute of Standards and Technology for 29 years, according to the agency. At the time of his death, he was part of NIST’s Engineering Laboratory, where he worked on improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of residential heating and cooling systems.
The agency described Payne as a valued member of its team who contributed important research in engineering and energy technology.
Payne also held a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University and was known by his family as a devoted father of five.
His family told local media that he was on his way to work when the crash happened.
The sudden loss has left loved ones and colleagues remembering a man whose career focused on improving everyday life for others.
Investigation Continues Into Deadly Collision
Authorities are now piecing together the moments before the crash as they determine what led to the fatal collision.
Investigators will examine evidence from the crash scene, vehicle records, witness accounts, and other information to understand how the stolen Kia ended up on the road.
Officials have not released details about when the vehicle was stolen or how the children gained access to it.
The case highlights broader concerns about youth access to vehicles, the dangers of inexperienced drivers, and the consequences that can follow when young people make dangerous decisions.
For Germantown residents, the crash is a painful reminder of how quickly a single moment can change multiple lives.
A man heading to work never arrived home, while several children are now recovering from injuries and facing the aftermath of a tragedy that began with a stolen vehicle and ended with a devastating loss.
