Speed, Aggressive Driving Possible Factors in Crash That Killed PGPD Officer

Police officials said the driver of a SUV involved in a fatal crash with a Prince George's County police officer may have caused the crash when she crossed several lanes of traffic and collided with the officer's cruiser.

when his cruiser slammed into a utility pole after colliding with an SUV along Surratts Road in Clinton. The woman driving the SUV was transported to Prince George's Hospital Center with injuries that were not life-threatening.

On Friday, Prince George's County Police Chief Mark Magaw said the driver of the SUV may have caused the crash. According to investigators, the driver was in a left turn lane on Branch Avenue at Surratts Road when she decided to cross several lanes of traffic, he said.

Magaw added that investigators are looking into speed as a factor, noting that Bowden, 28, was driving higher than the speed limit. The exact speed, he said, was unknown on Friday. Bowden was also not wearing his seatbelt, Magaw said.

The intersection was closed for several hours Thursday afternoon as officials investigated the cause of the crash and cleaned up debris.

Bowden lived in Clinton with his family and was the father of two school-aged children. He was born in Prince George's County and attended Surrattsville High School. He worked in District 4 for six years.

Charges are pending against the driver of the SUV. This is the second fatal crash involving a Prince George's County Police officer in two months. Neither or Bowden were wearing seat belts.

Although investigators spoke to witnesses on scene, Surratts Road and Branch Avenue is a busy intersection and they’d like to hear from anyone who may have information about the collision. Please call 866-411-TIPS.