PALMER PARK, Md. -
The Prince George's County policeman who died in an off-duty car crash Thursday was not wearing a seat belt, according to the chief of police. And he may have been speeding. But Chief Mark Magaw told reporters that 28-year-old Officer Kevin Bowden did not cause the accident that claimed his life.
"The preliminary investigation reveals that the actions of the driver of the SUV involved in the crash caused the collision," Magaw said at a briefing. "The [other] driver had originally been in the left turn lane, and at some point made the decision to cross several lanes of traffic, colliding with Officer Bowden's cruiser."
The policeman's cruiser was partially shredded when it slammed into the base of a utility pole at the intersection of Branch Avenue and Surratts Road.
Officer Bowden, who was off-duty, was traveling northbound on Branch Avenue where the posted speed limit is 55 miles an hour.
"We are looking at all factors involved in this crash, including speed," said Chief Magaw. "And based on the physical evidence on the scene, it appears that the cruiser was [being driven] above the speed limit."
The woman driving the SUV which collided with the police car was hospitalized after the accident. Chief Magaw said charges will likely be filed against her.
Officer Bowden was the father of an 11-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter.
His death in a vehicle (without wearing a seat belt) comes only about two months after the death of another unbelted county officer who died on I-95 after losing control of his cruiser during a chase.
Police Chief Magaw said officers in Prince George's County are required to wear seat belts in moving vehicles and that point has been stressed in roll calls since the August fatal accident.
Magaw said there may be enhanced vehicle safety training for patrol officers in December.
