1-year-old dies from Maryland crash after father abducts 3 children in Virginia, police say
BALTIMORE -- A 1-year-old Virginia girl is dead after her father stabbed her mother, abducted her and two siblings and then crashed during a pursuit on I-495 in Maryland on Thursday, police said.
Officers found a woman and a girl suffering from multiple stab wounds in Virginia Beach on Wednesday night, and determined that Dana Plummer, 36, of Virginia Beach, stabbed them before fleeing with his 7- and 5-year-old sons and 1-year-old daughter, Virginia Beach Police said.
Detectives secured warrants charging Plummer with aggravated malicious wounding, parental abduction and other offenses and Virginia State Police issued an Amber Alert for the three missing children.
.@mdsp on scene of crash in Prince George's Co on the ramp to Route 5, from the outerloop I-495. Driver and three children transported from the scene to area hospitals. Crash team en route to the scene. pic.twitter.com/1PrDgRoqsD
— MD State Police (@MDSP) August 15, 2024
Amber alert issued
On Thursday morning, police were notified that the SUV sought in the Amber Alert had been spotted.
Virginia State Police tried to stop it on Interstate 95 in Fairfax County, police said. A pursuit began when the driver did not stop and instead continued north on Interstate 495 into Maryland, where the driver lost control and crashed, police said.
The three children were found and the 1-year-old was taken to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries, police said. Plummer was apprehended at the crash scene.
Maryland State Police received a call for assistance from Virginia State Police and arrived about two minutes after the crash, Maj. Adam Stachurski said at a news conference Thursday.
Plummer and the two other children were in stable condition at area hospitals, he said. Maryland State Police will investigate the fatal crash.
Because Plummer was wanted for felony abduction, Virginia State Police supervision authorized troopers to continue across the state border into Maryland with the fleeing vehicle, the agency said in a statement. None of the agency's vehicles made contact with the SUV, officials said.
"Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones who are grieving this morning," Police Chief Paul Neudigate said in a statement. "This is an unimaginable tragedy, and on behalf of the VBPD, I extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this loss."
Charges pending
Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation and consultation with the Prince George's County State's Attorney.
The crash prompted all southbound lanes on Maryland I-495 to be closed, according to Maryland CHART. However, lanes have been reopened.
The Maryland State Police is leading the investigation into the crash. Virginia State Police is leading the investigation into the police pursuit.
Anyone with information relevant to this crash is urged to contact Sergeant Zimmerman at 301-392-1231. Callers may remain anonymous.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.