A well-known local police chief died late last week in a traffic collision in Maryland, authorities said
Around 11:30 a.m. local time on Friday, Sept. 25, troopers responded to reports of a crash near Dover Neck Road in Talbot County involving George William Bacorn Jr., the Denton police chief, according to a Maryland State Police news release
A preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Silverado and a Chevrolet Tahoe were traveling eastbound on Maryland Route 331 when a Ford Transit delivery truck, traveling the other way, crossed the center double-yellow line for “unknown reasons,” per the police statement.
The delivery truck struck the Silverado’s side mirror before continuing westbound and smashing into the Tahoe.
Bacorn, 62, was driving the Tahoe at the time of the collision, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the delivery truck, who was identified as 31-year-old Antonio Jaquan Handy, of Salisbury, was transported to a local trauma center.
“We ask the public to please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time and keep his family, the Department, and the Town in their prayers,” the statement added.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore separately shared a photo of himself alongside Bacorn in a tribute on Facebook.
“He embodied the meaning of serving others and dedicated his life to keeping communities safe for everyone,” Moore wrote, noting Bacorn’s decadeslong career. “Denton, Caroline County, and all of Maryland is a better place because of his courage and public service.”
“I have ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff and ask all of Maryland to join Dawn and I in praying for his family, the entire Denton Police Department, law enforcement colleagues, and community,” the governor wrote.
Maryland State Police are leading the investigation
“There are few words that can ease a loss like this,” the department wrote. “We hope Chief Bacorn’s family and fellow officers can feel the care of the community around them as we welcome him home.”
