Couple struck, killed outside Montgomery County polling center Tuesday
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A Maryland couple was struck and killed outside a Gaithersburg polling center Tuesday morning as they were headed to vote, 7News has confirmed.
The couple's son spoke with 7News and identified them as 70-year-old Anna Ortiz and 65-year-old Miguel Ortiz.
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The Ortiz couple was transported to area hospitals after the crash, but they were later pronounced dead, Montgomery County police said.
The incident happened around 7:20 a.m. on School Drive near Muddy Branch Road, county fire spokesperson Pete Piringer tweeted. The Ortizs were allegedly on their way to a polling location when they were struck. The vehicle involved remained at the scene.
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"It was panic," said resident LaShawn Rankin when asked about his initial reaction to the crash. "I've sent complaints to the county for a number of years and there've been a lot of accidents on this road, believe it or not."
"Hopefully we get something done permanent so people don't treat these roads like racetracks," Rankin said.
The area was closed from Muddy Branch Road to Story Drive but as of 11 a.m., the roads have reopened.
Police said voters can still park and vote at Fields Road Elementary School if they enter from Muddy Branch Road.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service first responders also assisted in the crash.
Police told 7News that they are looking into the possibility that alcohol was involved. The incident is under investigation.
