A dreadful event occurred concerning a man from Virginia Beach who kidnapped his three children late on Wednesday, sped away from the police and crushed his SUV on the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The accident killed his 16-year-old daughter and injured him as well as two of his other children.
Dana Plummer, 36 is accused of stabbing a woman and child then leaving with his 7 year old son, 5 year old son, and 16 month old daughter. An Amber Alert was issued in Virginia by State Police early Thursday leading to a chase that ended in the crash occurring about 9:05 a.m. at Branch Avenue ramp on the outer loop of Interstate 495.
The scene of the accident showed a black SUV with significant damage to its front end which had also deployed airbags. Plummer’s daughter aged sixteen months, Zariyah Plummer was seriously injured but later died at hospital; her death was confirmed by Virginia Beach police who sent condolences.
“This morning our hearts go out to family members and loved ones who have been affected by this incident,” said Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “This is an unimaginable tragedy and I extend deep sympathies from VBPD to those impacted by this loss.”
The other two children were hurt too and they are currently still hospitalized but their condition remains stable. Plummer himself sustained injuries and is now under police custody at the hospital. Maryland State Police Lt Col Adam Stachurski mentioned during a press conference that charging Plummer for such an offence would be difficult due to crossing state lines.
Afterwards, Plummer was arrested for aggravated malicious wounding, parental abduction, contributing to delinquency by minor and domestic assault according to the Virginia Beach Police Department. He has not yet acquired legal representation.It will be up to Maryland authorities to file any charges related Zariyah’s death which occurred in Maryland.
This began when a resident who saw Plummer’s car on the Amber Alert contacted police and Virginia State Police tried a traffic stop in Fairfax County, VA at approximately 8:45 am. However, he did not comply by continuing to drive away thereby initiating a chase that went into Maryland. He later lost control while exiting Beltway at Branch Avenue causing an accident.
“The loss of any kind of child…it’s heartbreaking, to say the least,” said Lt Col Stachurski during the press conference.
The Virginia Beach Police Department released further details about what led up to the Amber Alert. Plummer had reportedly stabbed the children’s mother before taking them from her house Wednesday night around 9 PM. The children were taken from Jay Are Court in Virginia Beach and are believed to be with Dana Demetrius Plummer, 36 years old, possibly traveling in a black Honda Passport SUV (2024) with temporary Virginia tags: 37555OR. Said Virginia State Police. “The children are believed to be in extreme danger and were last seen at Jay Are Court in Virginia Beach.”
Both people injured by stabbing were admitted to hospitals and reported being in stable condition. Maryland authorities have asked drivers to expect significant delays due this incident and anyone with information relevant should contact their local law enforcement agency.
Investigations into this incident will continue; Maryland authorities will decide any charges related to fatal crash because it occurred there and caused death.
