2 Drivers Charged With Manslaughter In Fatal Pedestrian Crash

SILVER SPRING, MD — Two drivers who fatally struck a Silver Spring pedestrian nearly eight months ago were arrested recently on manslaughter charges, a release from the Montgomery County Police Department said.

Thanh Phan, 71, of Silver Spring, and Jose Saravia Gonzalez, 27, of Silver Spring were both arrested on charges stemming from a pedestrian collision that occurred April 5.

About 10:12 p.m. that night, a white 2023 Honda Odyssey driven by Phan was westbound on Randolph Road near Kimblewick Drive when it drove into the sidewalk. Police said the minivan struck Ron Franzese, 52, of Silver Spring, who fell into the road.

Franzese was then struck by a white four-door Acura driven by Saravia Gonzalez, who police said fled the scene without rendering aid to the pedestrian.

Phan's Honda went back into the roadway, crossed the three lanes of road and struck a tree.

Investigators said they don't know why her minivan veered off the road.

On Nov. 25, Phan was taken into custody on the strength of an arrest warrant, where she was charged with criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle.

On Dec. 2, Saravia Gonzalez was arrested on the strength of a warrant and charged with criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle.

Phan and Gonzalez were taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where Phan is being held without bond. Gonzalez is being held, pending a bond review.