Teen Charged In Crash That Killed Mom, Injured Toddler

LANDOVER, MD — Michael Collins, 17, who police say was driving a stolen vehicle that hit and killed a Washington, D.C., mother and injured her toddler, has been indicted on multiple charges as an adult, prosecutors said.

According to the Prince George's Police Department, on Aug. 26 around 3:50 p.m., Seat Pleasant police officers say a vehicle that had been reported stolen Aug. 22 was in the area of Seat Pleasant Drive and Joplin Street. Officers followed the vehicle, which sped up while on Sheriff Road and red a red light at the intersection with Martin Luther King Jr. Highway.

That's when the stolen vehicle hit the side of 35-year-old Shaunte Canty's vehicle, which was eastbound on Martin Luther King Jr. Highway. Canty died at the scene, according to police.

Canty's 2-year-old child was taken to the hospital, as were three of the teenage boys in the stolen vehicle. The fourth teen, later identified as Collins, was taken into police custody.

The teens involved are ages 15 through 17, police reported.

Collins was indicted on charges including theft, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle, rogue and vagabond, and conspiracy to commit unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle.

“My office remains committed to pursuing justice for Shaunte and her family, and that means holding individuals, including juveniles, accountable for their actions,” said State’s Attorney Tara Jackson.

Related: Mom Killed, Toddler Injured In Crash With Stolen Vehicle Driven By Teens: PGPD