Police Search for Driver Involved in I-270 Hit and Run Fatal Collision

[Howard Hartman]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 22, 2008

Police Search for Driver Involved in I-270 Hit and Run Fatal Collision

Updated Information

(Rockville, Maryland) - Troopers from the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack are continuing an investigation into a fatal hit-and-run collision which occurred late last night on southbound I-270, and claimed the life of a child.

The deceased victim is identified as Jasmine Warr, 10, of the 8800-block of Darrow Road in Twinsburg, Ohio. She was transported by ambulance to Shady Grove Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

Injured victims in the crash include the driver, William J. Warr, Jr., 53 and front seat passenger, Angela T. Warr, 45, of the 8800-block of Darrow Road in Twinsburg, Ohio. They were both transported by ambulance to Suburban hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Also injured in the crash was Cortavia Harris, 11, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle next to Jasmine. She was transported by medevac to Children’s Hospital where she remains in stable condition.

Police are actively searching for the suspect driver of the striking vehicle involved in this crash. He is identified as Michael Dean Eaton, 32, of the 4700-block of Bibeford Square of Fairfax, Virginia.

The preliminary investigation revealed that shortly before midnight last night, a gold 1995 Jeep Cherokee was driving southbound on Interstate 270 in lane two. A silver 2005 Range Rover, displaying Virginia tags was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed when it slammed into the rear of the Jeep Cherokee. Without stopping or rendering aide, the driver of the Range Rover continued for a short distance. He exited the vehicle and apparently fled on foot.

Lanes were closed on southbound I-270 for approximately five and a half hours while personnel from the State Highway Administration assisted with detours. The Maryland State Police Aviation Command, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue also responded to the scene.

The fatal hit-and-run collision is being investigated by the Maryland State Police Crash Team and troopers assigned to the Rockville Barrack. The Virginia State Police are assisting with attempting to locate the suspect in Virginia.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the suspect to contact the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack at 301-424-2101. A photograph of the suspect is available upon request.

Michael Dean Eaton

Southbound I-270 south of I-370

[Howard Hartman]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 22, 2008

Update        Update        Update      Update

I-270 Hit & Run Suspect Turns Himself In

(Rockville, Maryland) – The suspect involved in last night’s hit and run fatal, claiming the life of a child, has turned himself in to Maryland State Police.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m. today, the suspect, identified as Michael Dean Eaton, 32, of the 4700-block of Bibeford Square of Fairfax, Virginia turned himself into police at the Rockville Barracks. After consultation with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, troopers charged Eaton with failure to remain at a scene involving death. There may be additional charges pending further investigation of this case. He is currently being processed at the Rockville Barracks where he will await an initial appearance before a court commissioner.

Eaton is charged with the hit and run fatal that occurred shortly before midnight last night. Four people and a dog were traveling in a gold 1995 Jeep Cherokee on southbound Interstate 270 in lane two. A silver 2005 Range Rover, displaying Virginia tags was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed when it slammed into the rear of the Jeep Cherokee south of I-370. Without stopping or rendering aide, the driver of the Range Rover continued for a short distance. He exited the vehicle and apparently fled on foot.

The deceased victim is identified as Jasmine Warr, 10, of the 8800-block of Darrow Road in Twinsburg, Ohio. She was transported by ambulance to Shady Grove Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

The dog, a black Labrador Retriever was ejected from the Jeep Cherokee. A concerned citizen noticed the animal stumbling a short distance away from the scene of the crash. The citizen then transported the injured dog to the Metropolitan Emergency Animal Clinic in Rockville where he was treated. Due to his massive injuries, the dog did not survive.

Injured victims in the crash include the driver, William J. Warr, Jr., 53 and front seat passenger, Angela T. Warr, 45, of the 8800-block of Darrow Road in Twinsburg, Ohio. They were both transported by ambulance to Suburban hospital with non life-threatening injuries. They have been released.

Also injured in the crash was Cortavia Harris, 11, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle next to Jasmine. She was transported by medevac to Children’s Hospital where she remains in stable condition.

Lanes were closed on southbound I-270 for approximately five and a half hours while personnel from the State Highway Administration assisted with detours. The Maryland State Police Aviation Command, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue also responded to the scene.

The fatal hit-and-run collision is being investigated by the Maryland State Police Crash Team and troopers assigned to the Rockville Barrack.