Maryland Driver Faces DUI Charges After Fatal Washington, D.C. Crash That Claimed Life of New Jersey Woman
A Maryland man has been charged with driving under the influence following a crash that resulted in the death of a 79-year-old New Jersey woman in Washington, D.C. Authorities say the investigation is still active, and additional charges could be filed as more information becomes available.
The victim, identified as Virginia “Ginnie” Voight of Palmyra, New Jersey, was crossing the street on an electric mobility scooter when the collision happened on the night of July 5. According to investigators, the crash took place at approximately 9 p.m. at the intersection of 14th Street and Independence Avenue Southwest in Washington, D.C.
Police said Voight was traveling east through a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a pickup truck that was making a right turn from Independence Avenue onto 14th Street. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, and Voight was taken for medical treatment. Despite efforts to save her, she later died from her injuries on July 12.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit is leading the investigation into the incident. Officials said the driver did not remain at the scene after the crash. According to police, the vehicle continued moving until a member of the National Guard stepped in and detained the driver before law enforcement officers arrived.
Authorities identified the driver as 55-year-old Michael Wayne Mills of Germantown, Maryland. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and leaving the scene of a collision. Investigators have stated that additional charges may be filed as the case continues to develop.
Police are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine whether any other violations occurred. Investigators have also asked anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information related to the case to contact the Metropolitan Police Department.
Virginia Voight was well known in her New Jersey community for her long career in education. According to her obituary, she spent more than three decades teaching in the Palmyra School District, where she helped educate generations of students. Her dedication to teaching left a lasting impact on many families in the area.
Funeral services for Voight are scheduled to be held at Harbor Baptist Church in Hainesport Township. Family members, friends, former students, and community members are expected to gather to remember her life and honor her years of service.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue collecting evidence and reviewing all available information. Officials have not released any additional details beyond the charges already announced.
Sources
- Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.)
- Official obituary information for Virginia “Ginnie” Voight
