The driver of the Acura that crashed in North Potomac in June, killing two 18-year-old recent Wootton High School graduates, had alcohol in his system, according to a police report obtained by WUSA9 and The Washington Post.
Samuel Ellis, the driver and former quarterback for the Wootton football team, was seriously injured in the collision. The report states he had a blood alcohol level of 0.07 to 0.09, above the 0.02 state limit for drivers younger than 21 and that he tested positive for marijuana and benzodiazepines—a sedative found in prescription drugs like Xanax, according to the Post report.
The June 25 crash, in which the Acura hit a fence, flipped and ended up in a driveway, killed Alexander Murk, 18, and Calvin Li, 18, who had just graduated from Wootton. A 17-year-old passenger, who police did not name, survived the crash and told police the car was traveling at more than 100 mph before the crash on Dufief Mill Road, according to the Post report.
WUSA9 reported that the young men were drinking at a party at the house of Kenneth Saltzman, whose teenage daughter hosted the party and that Saltzman was present during the party. Saltzman faces possible charges of adult responsibility while Ellis may face two manslaughter charges, according to WUSA9.
No charges have been filed in the case. Police said last week they were wrapping up their investigation and planned to speak with prosecutors at the State’s Attorney’s Office later this month or early next month to determine what charges may be filed.
