Beloved Maryland Police Chief George Bacorn Jr. Dies in Head-On Collision
Denton's top law enforcement official, 62, was killed Friday morning when a delivery truck crossed the center line.
Denton, Maryland is mourning the loss of Police Chief George William Bacorn Jr., 62, who died Friday morning in a head-on collision with a delivery truck. The incident occurred on a road near Easton, according to Maryland State Police.
Bacorn was driving eastbound in a Chevrolet Tahoe when a Ford Transit delivery truck, driven by Antonio Jaquan Handy, 31, approached from the opposite direction. Police stated that for unknown reasons, the delivery truck crossed the center double yellow line, struck the side mirror of a Chevrolet Silverado in front of Bacorn's vehicle, and then collided with Bacorn's Tahoe.
Chief Bacorn was pronounced dead at the scene. Handy sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to a local trauma center. The driver of the Silverado was uninjured, and no other injuries were reported.
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is investigating the collision. Their findings will be presented to the Office of the State’s Attorney in Talbot County to determine if charges will be filed against Handy.
Bacorn served as Denton's police chief for 36 years. His death prompted expressions of grief from the community and from Maryland Governor Wes Moore. The governor ordered the Maryland flag to be lowered to half-staff in Bacorn's honor.
"Chief Bacorn served as Chief for 36 years, as well as acting as the head of the MML Chiefs and Sheriffs Association this year. He embodied the meaning of serving others and dedicated his life to keeping communities safe for everyone," Governor Moore said in a statement. "Denton, Caroline County, and all of Maryland is a better place because of his courage and public service."
The Town of Denton released a statement expressing profound sadness and extending condolences to Bacorn's family and the Denton Police Department, asking for privacy during this difficult time.
On Sunday, an escort carrying Bacorn's remains traveled from Baltimore to Denton. Police officers and firefighters lined the route, saluting the procession as it passed through the rain. 
