6 Teens Hospitalized After Edgewater Crash; Drinking May Be A Factor
EDGEWATER, Md. (WJZ) -- Six teens were sent to the hospital after a serious crash in Edgewater. Police now believe the group had been drinking.
Monique Griego has more from Anne Arundel County investigators.
The youngest passenger in that car was just 14. With events like prom and graduation coming up, police are hoping this account serves as a warning to teens and parents.
The skid marks from the crash are still visible along a stretch of road. It's where police say an 18-year-old driver carrying a carload of teenage passengers lost control and flipped the car upside down into a ditch.
Neighbors called 911 after hearing the commotion.
"It's crazy. All I could hear was these kids yelling, `Bobby, Bobby, get out of the car,'" said witness Samantha Callahan.
The accident happened just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday near Central Avenue and Loch Haven Road.
"We know there were six people in that car, all juveniles ranging from ages 14-18, in a vehicle that really only holds five people," said Justin Mulcahy, Anne Arundel County Police.
All of the passengers suffered serious injuries; one of them had to be extricated from the car. Police say underage drinking may have played a role in the crash. Investigators say all six teens were possibly under the influence.
"In many of these types of crashes, we're talking about fatal investigations. These, fortunately, were all non-life threatening," Mulcahy said.
Drivers in the area are disappointed the don't drink and drive message isn't getting through.
"I'm afraid to drive down the back roads at night after a certain hour. It's very scary," said driver Patti Marchitto.
"Peer pressure and other things will make them do those things that can bring danger," said driver Debbie Sampson. "It's unfortunate.
Others hope the teens realize just how tragic this could have been.
"It's scary, scary to think about," Callahan said. "It just happened so fast."
The 18-year-old driver of the car was identified as Sienna Lee Brandhorst of Edgewater. Charges against her are still pending.
With the busy summer season here, police are asking parents to remind their kids about the dangers of drinking and driving.
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