On January 11 at approximately 9 PM, a Delaware State Police trooper observed a Nissan Altima commit a traffic violation on Johnson Road near Old State Road in Lincoln. After running a computer check, the trooper learned there was a registration violation for the Altima and initiated a traffic stop on North Old State Road.
After the Altima stopped, it sped away before the trooper could exit the vehicle. The trooper began pursuit as the Altima drove recklessly at a high rate of speed on several area roads. For the safety of other motorists, Delaware State Police called off the pursuit. Shortly after the cancellation, there was word that the Altima was involved in a crash on Lakeview Avenue in Milford.
The preliminary investigation showed that the Altima left the roadway traveling at a high rate of speed on the south side of Lakeview Avenue and entered the sidewalk. The vehicle then crossed West Clarke Avenue, striking a small tree and several shrubs in a private yard before spinning and ultimately colliding with a large tree.
Police identified the driver of the Altima as 37-year-old Linwood Owens, Jr. of Georgetown. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died.
Lakeview Avenue was closed for approximately two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at 302-703-3264. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
