PONTIAC, MI — A man has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that killed a mom and her two kids in Oakland County last summer, according to the sheriff’s office.
The crash happened on Aug. 29 at the intersection of Montcalm Road and Joslyn Road in Pontiac, officials said.
Officials said Deniquah Reed, 37, and her sons, 6-year-old Dior and 4-year-old Dex were killed in the crash. Reed’s 9-year-old daughter, Demi, was seriously injured and has since recovered, officials said.
Tomas Alvarado Jr., 21, was charged with three counts of reckless driving causing death (15-year felony) and one count of reckless driving causing serious injury (5-year felony).
He was placed in jail and released on personal bond. Officials said he turned himself in to police when he learned he was charged in the case.
Officials said Alvarado was driving a 2022 Honda Civic SB on Joslyn when the car crossed over the centerline and left the roadway. The car hit several signs and poles before striking a 2025 Chevy Malibu that was waiting at a red light on westbound Montcalm Avenue, officials said.
Reed and her three kids were inside the Malibu, officials said.
Alvarado was also injured in the crash and has since recovered, officials said.
Officials said speed played a role in the crash, but not drugs or alcohol.
“Driving a multiple thousand-pound vehicle requires our full and complete attention,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “This a tragic reminder of that fact and the penalties that await when driving is not safely executed. Our prayers are with the family and friends of those lost.”