A Michigan family's lives were changed forever by a teenage driver allegedly fleeing the police. The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. August 12 in Sterling Heights, a suburb north of Detroit. Faith Gumma, 31, was killed in the accident, and her husband Norman, 34, was seriously injured. The couple's young son Elijah, 2, survived with less serious injuries.
According to multiple news outlets, police reportedly attempted to pull over the 16-year-old driver, who allegedly sped up. As he accelerated, he reportedly crashed into the Gummas' SUV, causing catastrophic injuries. According to the Macomb Daily, the teen was uninjured. He was also allegedly uninsured.
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Police reportedly noticed the teen driving with his turn signal on.
Sterling Heights Lt. Mario Bastianelli said police officers saw the unidentified teen driving a Chevy Equinox Eastbound in the right lane on 15 Mile Road Saturday evening, with his left-turn signal activated for approximately a mile from Mound Road to Van Dyke, The Macomb Daily reported.
Bastianelli said police checked the plate and learned the vehicle was uninsured. They tried to pull the car over, and the driver took off going at least 85 miles per hour. The teen allegedly ran a red light and crashed into the Gummas' GMC Terrain.
The accident happened quickly.
Bastianelli told Fox 2 Detroit the tragedy unfolded in less than a minute.
"Unfortunately this pursuit happened so quickly and then to the accident – literally 36 seconds from the start of the chase – to the crash," he said.
He said the officer's decision to pursue the car for 36 seconds appeared to be within department policy but added that the case would be reviewed internally.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, this is horribly tragic," Bastianelli said. "This is a police officer's worst nightmare. In the midst of trying to do your job and catch bad people doing bad things this resulted from it."
He added that running from the police is never the right decision.
The Gumma family was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Faith Gumma was pronounced dead at a local hospital, and her son and husband both received treatment for multiple injuries, according to the Detroit News. A GoFundMe page explained that Elijah suffered fractured ribs and lacerated organs but is expected to recover fully.
"Norman, on the other hand, was rushed to the hospital, where he remains intubated and in critical condition. We're all praying that he pulls through this without any brain damage, and we are asking everyone to pray that he makes a full recovery so he can be there for his son," the fundraiser reads.
Hundreds have donated to the GoFundMe account benefitting the family.
The fundraiser has more than $250,000 in donations to date. Family, friends, and even strangers have shared their love and prayers for the Gummas.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the recovery of my cousin Norman and his son Elijah. May God rest the souls of his wife Faith and their unborn child. May family and friends find peace," a donor wrote.
"I donated because, I wanted the family to know that even people that you never met care! Please be assured that you are prayed for and loved by so many! Matthew 18:20 'For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them'. I pray this in Jesus's name. Amen!" one person prayed.
"This family deserves all the love and support they can get. May God watch over them and guide them through this tough time," another donor wrote.
Organizer Patrick Rabban wrote in an update on August 15 that Elijah was discharged from the hospital, and he asked for continued well wishes for the little boy's father.
"Words cannot express how overwhelmed and grateful we are of the support and outreach so far. We are part of a truly incredible community. Let's stay positive and keep praying for Norman!" he wrote.
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Prosecutors are analyzing the case.
No charges have been filed in the case, as prosecutors are still reviewing details. It is unclear if the teen will be charged as a juvenile or an adult.
As Dawn Fraylick of the Macomb County prosecutor's communications director's office told People, "They are still looking into everything."
Bastianelli told Fox 2 Detroit that justice will be served. "He will be held accountable for what he's done," he said.
