Montgomery County prosecutors have charged 19-year-old Zaher Qais of Silver Spring in connection with a January crash in White Oak that killed a 15-year-old passenger and injured several others. The collision happened on Jan. 14 at about 11:19 a.m. near Lockwood Drive and Northwest Drive, when a vehicle left the roadway and slammed into a wooden utility pole, according to investigators. County officials say findings from the Collision Reconstruction Unit led to negligent-manslaughter-by-vehicle and related traffic charges, and Qais is being held without bond.
How Investigators Say The Crash Unfolded
In a press release, Montgomery County officials said CRU investigators concluded that a white 2017 Lexus was traveling south on Lockwood Drive when it tried to cross a double yellow line to pass a stopped Ride On Flash bus. As the Lexus moved into the oncoming lane, it collided with a black 2025 Toyota in the intersection, investigators said.
After the impact, the Toyota lost control, left the roadway and crashed into a wooden utility pole around 11:19 a.m. on Jan. 14, according to the county account. Those reconstruction findings are what prosecutors relied on in bringing the negligent-manslaughter-by-vehicle charge and other traffic offenses against Qais, authorities said.
Victim Identified And Neighborhood On Edge
The teen who died in the crash was identified as 15-year-old Tayeba Rezaie of Pasadena, Maryland, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to local reporting. Two other passengers in the Lexus were taken to area hospitals, one in critical condition, and the 18-year-old driver suffered minor injuries, police and local coverage reported.
Neighbors quickly gathered near the intersection, where the wreckage and police activity drew a crowd. Residents told reporters they want more traffic controls at the already busy crossing, a concern highlighted in coverage by NBC4 Washington.
Charges, Custody And What Comes Next
Qais, 19, of Silver Spring, is charged with negligent manslaughter by vehicle along with other traffic-related offenses, according to the county. He is being held without bond at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.
Prosecutors have not yet publicly announced a court date. Officials emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Qais is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. According to the county release, CRU investigators completed their reconstruction before charges were filed and are continuing to review evidence tied to the collision. Montgomery County provided the charging details.
Investigation Still Active, Police Seek Witnesses
Montgomery County police say the Collision Reconstruction Unit is still working the case and want to hear from anyone who saw what happened or has dash-cam or phone video from the area around the time of the crash. Police list the CRU tip line at 240-773-6620 for people with information about the Jan. 14 collision. Local coverage, including Patch, has also shared the contact number.
