An investigation is underway by the Montgomery County Department of Police - Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) following a fatal collision in Gaithersburg. According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, the accident happened last Saturday, resulting in the untimely death of 88-year-old Myrtle Gottlieb from Rockville due to injuries sustained in the crash.
The incident, which occurred around 8:35 a.m. at the junction of westbound Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, involved a blue 2017 Toyota Corolla that was stationary at a red traffic signal. The Corolla was rear-ended by a blue 2018 Jeep Compass. Subsequently, Gottlieb and Toyota's driver were rushed to a hospital, where Gottlieb later succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday. The 18-year-old driver of the Jeep Compass stayed at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and operating a vehicle without a driver's license.
Following the arrest, the driver of the Jeep was taken to Gaithersburg City Police Headquarters for a blood alcohol concentration test, with results pending. "The driver of the Jeep Compass, an 18-year-old male, remained at the scene and was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license," detailed the Montgomery County Department of Police.
As the CRU detectives delve deeper into the case, any forthcoming charges will be based on the completion of their ongoing investigation. The department is appealing to anyone with relevant information regarding the crash to contact the Montgomery County Police - Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240-773-6620 to aid in the case's progression.
