Woman Killed, 13 Injured After Car Rams Child's Birthday Party in Maryland; Driver Surrenders

Tragedy Strikes Bladensburg Birthday Party

A festive outdoor child's birthday party in Bladensburg, Maryland, turned into a scene of tragedy on Saturday evening, October 18, 2025, when a vehicle plowed into the gathering. The incident, which occurred around 10:14 p.m. in the 4100 block of 56th Avenue, resulted in one fatality and left 13 people injured.

Authorities identified the deceased as Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, a 31-year-old woman from Washington, D.C. Among the injured were eight children, whose ages ranged from 1 to 17 years old, and five adults. Initial reports indicated varying numbers of injured, but police statements confirmed the total of 13 injured in addition to the fatality.

Driver Flees, Then Surrenders

The driver of the sedan, described as a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., initially fled the scene on foot following the collision. However, he later turned himself in to the Bladensburg Police Department on Sunday. Police confirmed that the driver has been interviewed by a crash investigator.

Investigation Underway, Charges Pending

The Bladensburg Police Department and the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department responded to the chaotic scene. Video and photos from social media showed a sedan inside a white tent that had been set up on a lawn outside a home for the birthday celebration.

As of Sunday, criminal charges are pending against the driver. Authorities are consulting with the Prince George's County State's Attorney regarding the appropriate charges. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Victims' Conditions

Of the injured, several required hospitalization. Reports indicated that:

• Six juvenile victims were treated and released.
• One child was admitted to the hospital and is in stable condition.
• Three adult victims were admitted to the hospital and are in stable condition.
• One adult is pending treatment, and another has been released.