Bowie Fatal Crash
BOWIE, Md. - Prince George’s County police identified the 69-year-old Bowie woman killed after a driver sped away from a traffic stop and crashed into her car Wednesday afternoon.
What we know:
Police said officers tried to stop a driver around 2:45 p.m. near Lanham Severn Road and Driscoll Drive. The driver was connected to an active investigation, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department.
The driver initially pulled over, then drove away toward 9th Street, police said.
Seconds later, a police supervisor told officers over the radio to stop any additional attempts to pursue the driver.
Deadly crash on 9th Street
The backstory:
About a half-mile from the original traffic stop, police said the driver crossed double yellow lines and struck an uninvolved vehicle in the 12800 block of 9th Street.
The victim, identified as Deborah Saffran of Bowie, died at the scene.
A third vehicle was also hit. Its driver was not hurt, police said.
The suspect was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and remained hospitalized as of Thursday. Police have not yet shared the identity of the suspect.
Neighbor's camera captures crash
The Martin family lives next to the crash scene. Their security camera captured sounds and images of the incident.
Bowie Fatal Crash After Prince George's County police chase (Courtesy of the Martin Family)
"It's just a shame that somebody lost their life over something that I think you could have done another way," said Laura Martin. "You don't have to pursue somebody to that rate…especially on this road. These cops know what this road is like."
The roadway where the crash happened has two lanes with lots of hills and curves. Others who live in the area said it has been the scene of many accidents over the years.
"I've been here about three or four years in this spot and there's probably been about 10 to 15 crashes have happened here," said neighbor RJ Ramos. "People are flying around the turn constantly. Right in front of my house, a woman dies there because someone wanted to flee from the police and I think that's just absolutely ridiculous."
"Just get a tag number," Martin added. "Go after them. I mean they knew what this guy was into. They could have found him. Somebody didn't have to get killed over it."
Investigations underway
What they're saying:
PGPD said it consulted with Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General at the scene. The agency’s Independent Investigations Division declined to investigate.
The police department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit and Internal Affairs Division are investigating. Once the crash investigation is complete, it will be referred to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for possible criminal charges.
Anyone with information, dashcam video or home-surveillance footage can call the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at 301-731-4422 and reference case No. 26-0045522.
The Source: This article was written using information from the Prince George’s County Police Department.