A tragic incident occurred involving a Virginia Beach man who abducted his three children late Wednesday, fled from police, and crashed his SUV on the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The crash resulted in the death of his 16-month-old daughter and injuries to his two other children and himself.
Dana Plummer, 36, of Virginia Beach, allegedly stabbed a woman and a child before fleeing with his 7-year-old son, 5-year-old son, and 16-month-old daughter.Virginia State Police issued an Amber Alert early Thursday, prompting a chase that culminated in a crash on the Outer Loop of Interstate 495 at the Branch Avenue ramp around 9:05 am.
The crash scene revealed a black SUV with extensive front-end damage and deployed airbags. Plummer’s 16-month-old daughter, Zariyah Plummer, was severely injured and later died at the hospital. Virginia Beach police confirmed her death, expressing their condolences.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones who are grieving this morning,” said Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “This is an unimaginable tragedy, and on behalf of the VBPD, I extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this loss.”
The two other children were also injured and taken to the hospital, where they remain in stable condition. Plummer himself sustained injuries and is currently in police custody at the hospital. Maryland State Police Lt Col Adam Stachurski mentioned during a press conference that the charges against Plummer could be complicated due to the incident crossing state lines.
Following the crash, Plummer was charged with aggravated malicious wounding, parental abduction, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and domestic assault by Virginia Beach police. It is yet unclear whether he has legal representation. Any charges related to the toddler’s death, which occurred in Maryland, will come from Maryland authorities.
The incident began when a resident recognized Plummer’s vehicle from the Amber Alert and notified law enforcement, leading Virginia State Police to attempt a traffic stop around 8:45 am in Fairfax County, Virginia. However, Plummer refused to stop, initiating a police chase that continued into Maryland. He eventually lost control and crashed while exiting the Beltway at Branch Avenue.
“The loss of any kind of child… it’s heartbreaking, to say the least,” Lt Col Stachurski stated during the press conference.
The Virginia Beach Police Department released further details about the events leading to the Amber Alert. Plummer reportedly stabbed the children’s mother before taking the children around 9 pm Wednesday.
“The children are believed to have been abducted by Dana Demetrius Plummer, 36, and maybe traveling in a black 2024 Honda Passport SUV with temporary Virginia tags: 37555OR,” Virginia State Police said. “The children are believed to be in extreme danger and were last seen at Jay Are Court in Virginia Beach.”
Both stabbing victims were hospitalized and reported to be in stable condition. Authorities advised drivers in Maryland to anticipate significant traffic delays and urged anyone with pertinent information to contact the police.
The investigation into the incident will continue, with Maryland authorities handling any charges related to the fatal crash, given its location and the resulting death.
Dana Plummer, 36, of Virginia Beach, allegedly stabbed a woman and a child before fleeing with his 7-year-old son, 5-year-old son, and 16-month-old daughter.Virginia State Police issued an Amber Alert early Thursday, prompting a chase that culminated in a crash on the Outer Loop of Interstate 495 at the Branch Avenue ramp around 9:05 am.
The crash scene revealed a black SUV with extensive front-end damage and deployed airbags. Plummer’s 16-month-old daughter, Zariyah Plummer, was severely injured and later died at the hospital. Virginia Beach police confirmed her death, expressing their condolences.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones who are grieving this morning,” said Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “This is an unimaginable tragedy, and on behalf of the VBPD, I extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by this loss.”
The two other children were also injured and taken to the hospital, where they remain in stable condition. Plummer himself sustained injuries and is currently in police custody at the hospital. Maryland State Police Lt Col Adam Stachurski mentioned during a press conference that the charges against Plummer could be complicated due to the incident crossing state lines.
Following the crash, Plummer was charged with aggravated malicious wounding, parental abduction, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and domestic assault by Virginia Beach police. It is yet unclear whether he has legal representation. Any charges related to the toddler’s death, which occurred in Maryland, will come from Maryland authorities.
The incident began when a resident recognized Plummer’s vehicle from the Amber Alert and notified law enforcement, leading Virginia State Police to attempt a traffic stop around 8:45 am in Fairfax County, Virginia. However, Plummer refused to stop, initiating a police chase that continued into Maryland. He eventually lost control and crashed while exiting the Beltway at Branch Avenue.
“The loss of any kind of child… it’s heartbreaking, to say the least,” Lt Col Stachurski stated during the press conference.
The Virginia Beach Police Department released further details about the events leading to the Amber Alert. Plummer reportedly stabbed the children’s mother before taking the children around 9 pm Wednesday.
“The children are believed to have been abducted by Dana Demetrius Plummer, 36, and maybe traveling in a black 2024 Honda Passport SUV with temporary Virginia tags: 37555OR,” Virginia State Police said. “The children are believed to be in extreme danger and were last seen at Jay Are Court in Virginia Beach.”
Both stabbing victims were hospitalized and reported to be in stable condition. Authorities advised drivers in Maryland to anticipate significant traffic delays and urged anyone with pertinent information to contact the police.
The investigation into the incident will continue, with Maryland authorities handling any charges related to the fatal crash, given its location and the resulting death.
Source : Times of India
