Teen Driver in Stolen Vehicle Dies in Germantown Crash
A fatal crash occurred in Germantown, Maryland, on August 4th, when a 13-year-old driving a stolen Kia Optima collided with a Toyota Matrix. The driver of the Toyota, 58-year-old William Payne II, was killed in the incident. The 13-year-old driver…
Pittsburgh, PA, August 6, 2026 —
A tragic collision in Germantown, Maryland, on August 4th, resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to several others when a stolen vehicle crashed into another car. The incident involved a 13-year-old driver operating a stolen Kia Optima, which collided with a Toyota Matrix.
The driver of the Toyota Matrix, identified as 58-year-old William Payne II, was fatally injured in the crash. The 13-year-old who was driving the Kia Optima sustained injuries, as did six passengers in the stolen vehicle. The passengers’ ages ranged from 12 to 15 years old, and they suffered varying degrees of injuries.
Authorities reported that the Kia Optima involved in the collision had been stolen and reported to law enforcement several hours prior to the crash. Further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision and the sequence of events have not been provided.
The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing. Information regarding charges, the condition of the injured individuals, and the specific findings of the investigation has not yet been released.
Story summarized from the original created by Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk on www.wpxi.com, see more information here.
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