Man Who Drove Into Silver Diner Faces Second Degree Murder Charges

Heather Curtis

WASHINGTON — (WMAL) The man who drove into a Silver Diner in Tyson’s on May 4 now faces a slew of charge including second degree murder. The second degree murder charge is an upgrade from the original charge of malicious wounding filed against 59-year-old Springfield resident Samuel Ovie Abutoh.

Police said Abutoh drove his SUV into the Silver Diner multiple times hitting 74-year-old Andrew Sheren as he walked into the restaurant. The charge was upgraded when Sheren died.

Abutoh is also charged with arson. Witnesses said he poured an accelerant all over himself and then lit himself on fire while he was still in his SUV.

He’s now being held at the Fairfax County Jail.