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Teen Driver Who Killed Self Was Drinking and
Speedingl
The victim of the collision was Sarkis George Nazarian, Jr., 16, of the 9500 block of Falls Road in Potomac. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His two passengers, Nicholas Hegedus, 16, of the 8300 block of Tuckerman Lane in Potomac, and Scott Alexander Roof, 16, of the 13700 block of Lakewood Court in Rockville were treated at the scene by Fire-Rescue personnel.
At approximately 1:14 this morning, 1st District officers responded to the report of a single-car collision in the 12500 block of Travilah Road. Responding officers found that a red 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee had run off the westbound lane and struck a tree. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim/driver was traveling too fast for the existing roadway conditions. It had been raining late into the evening and the road was wet. The driver failed to negotiate a curve and the SUV slid off the roadway, eventually striking a tree.
Further investigation has revealed that Friday evening, the three teens had attended a party in the 11900 block of Cragwood Way where alcohol was served. All three teens had been drinking at that party. The party was hosted by an unsupervised 16-year-old whose parents were out of the area. Alcohol Initiative Officers responded to the residence to close down the party. Citations were issued for underage drinking to 14 teens under the age of 18. The investigation is continuing into how the alcohol was obtained for the party.
As we approach the holiday season with Thanksgiving just two weeks away, officers will begin a Holiday Impaired Driving Enforcement. This year we will include a priority of targeting teen aggressive driving behaviors to include speeding, drunk/drugged driving, and engaging in street races.
Montgomery County Police have been involved in a variety of initiatives to help prevent these needless tragedies involving teen drivers. We once again remind adults and particularly parents of teen drivers to make certain that every teen driver understands the critical importance of being a safe and sober driver; and that every adult follows that practice to set the proper example for our young drivers.