Suspected Drunk Driver Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run

by Deb Belt

A Manassas man reportedly driving with a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit has been arrested for striking a pedestrian in College Park, Md., and leaving the scene of the fatal accident.

The Prince George's County Police Department was called to the 7300 block of Baltimore Avenue about 3 a.m. July 5 on the report of a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian. When they arrived, officer found Janelle Marie Oni, 21, of Billson Road in Randallstown in the roadway with critical injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect vehicle didn’t stop, but Prince George’s County patrol officers soon stopped a minivan matching the suspect's vehicle at Baltimore Avenue and I-495. Officers arrested the driver, Jacky Luangraj, 33, of the 7600 block of Well Street, Manassas.

The preliminary investigation suggests Luangraj’s vehicle was northbound on Baltimore Avenue when he struck Oni as she tried to cross the street.

Luangraj faces 13 charges, including negligent auto homicide - under influence, driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. At the time of his arrest, police say his blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit. He was not hurt in the crash.

Anyone with information on this collision is asked to call the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at (301) 306-5640. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone, or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.