BALTIMORE — Four separate traffic collisions across Maryland over the weekend resulted in the deaths of seven people, according to the Maryland State Police. Investigators with the state police crash team said their probes remain active as communities seek answers about what led to multiple fatal wrecks in different parts of the state.
Weekend fatalities spanned multiple counties
State police reported crashes in Finksburg, Bethesda, Fallston and on Interstate 68 near Frostburg. Authorities identified victims and released limited details as investigations proceed.
In the Finksburg area, troopers said they were called to Emory Road near Hollingsworth Road at about 2:14 a.m. Saturday, where a vehicle had struck an embankment. The driver, identified as Garrett Reid Luber, 21, of Hampstead, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they believe impairment may have been a factor in that crash.
Later Saturday evening, around 6:46 p.m., a wrong-way crash on Interstate 270 near Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda killed two passengers in a Toyota sedan. Maryland State Police identified the victims as Musammat Shamima Begum, 46, and Areebah Jahin, 23, both residents of Virginia. The Toyota’s driver and an 8-year-old passenger were transported to hospitals for treatment.
"We continue to investigate these crashes," the Maryland State Police Crash Team said in an update, urging anyone with information to contact troopers assigned to the cases.
Authorities charged the driver of the Ford Mustang alleged to have been traveling the wrong way. Police identified him as Jose Caballero Nolasco, 32, of Germantown. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of gross negligent manslaughter, two counts of homicide by motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, and one count of life-threatening injury by motor vehicle. State police said Nolasco was released from a hospital and taken to the Montgomery County Detention Center, pending an appearance before a court commissioner.
Early Sunday crash and other incidents
Troopers responded early Sunday morning to a collision at the intersection of Fallston and Harford roads in the Fallston area. Investigators said a Toyota 4Runner ran a red light and struck a Volkswagen Jetta at about 4:14 a.m.. The Volkswagen driver, identified as Christopher Larry Grimsley, 40, died at the scene. The 4Runner’s driver, Todd Dunaway, 27, was taken to a hospital. Police again said they believe impairment may have been a factor.
State police also reported a separate wrong-way crash on I-68 near Frostburg that resulted in three fatalities. Details about those victims and the circumstances were released by troopers as part of their ongoing investigation.
Summary of crashes
| Location | Time | Fatalities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emory Rd. near Hollingsworth Rd., Finksburg | ~2:14 a.m., Sat | 1 | Driver Garrett Reid Luber, 21, died; impairment suspected |
| I-270 near Democracy Blvd., Bethesda | ~6:46 p.m., Sat | 2 | Wrong-way Mustang struck Toyota; two passengers killed; driver charged |
| Fallston & Harford Rds., Fallston | ~4:14 a.m., Sun | 1 | Toyota 4Runner ran red light; Volkswagen driver killed; impairment suspected |
| I-68 near Frostburg | Weekend | 3 | Wrong-way crash; troopers investigating |
Investigations and community impact
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the probes and has not released full toxicology or final causation findings. In cases where troopers said impairment is suspected, further laboratory testing and official determinations by medical examiners typically follow and can take weeks.
Officials urged drivers to exercise caution and report dangerous driving when observed. The series of incidents underscores tensions between roadway safety, alcohol impairment, and the consequences of wrong-way driving — particularly on high-speed highways such as I-270 and I-68.
- Seven fatalities occurred across four separate collisions over the weekend.
- Two cases involved alleged impairment; one incident involved a wrong-way driver now facing multiple charges.
- Investigations remain active; authorities have not released final toxicology or full cause determinations.
Anyone with information about any of the crashes is asked to contact the Maryland State Police or the troopers assigned to the specific investigations. As troopers continue to collect evidence and complete reports, prosecutors and coroners will determine final charges and official causes of death.
WE NEWS will continue to follow these investigations and provide updates as authorities release more information.
