Denton police chief killed in crash after troopers say delivery truck crossed double-yellow line

EASTON, Md. — The chief of the Denton Police Department is dead after a head-on crash in Talbot County Friday morning, according to Maryland State Police.

George William Bacorn Jr., 62, was pronounced dead at the scene after a Ford Transit delivery truck crossed the center double-yellow line on Maryland Route 331 near Dover Neck Road and struck his Chevrolet Tahoe head-on. The crash was reported shortly before 11:30 a.m.

The driver of the delivery truck, Antonio Jaquan Handy, 31, of Salisbury, was airlifted to a trauma center. No other injuries were reported.

The delivery truck was traveling westbound when it crossed the center line for unknown reasons, first clipping a Chevrolet Silverado traveling in the opposite direction before striking the Tahoe head-on.

Gov. Wes Moore ordered the Maryland flag lowered to half-staff following Bacorn's death.

"Chief Bacorn served as Chief for 36 years, as well as acting as the head of the MML Chiefs and Sheriffs Association this year," Moore said. "He embodied the meaning of serving others and dedicated his life to keeping communities safe for everyone. Denton, Caroline County, and all of Maryland is a better place because of his courage and public service."

The Caroline County Commissioners also released a statement.

"The Caroline County Commissioners are deeply saddened by the loss of Denton Police Chief George Bacorn," the commissioners said. "Our hearts are with his family, the Denton Police Department, and everyone in the Town of Denton who loved and worked alongside him. This loss touches us all. Please keep his family and our entire community in your thoughts and prayers."

The investigation is ongoing. The case will be referred to the Talbot County State's Attorney's Office to determine whether charges will be filed.

This is a developing story, so check back with WMAR2News.com for updates. Email the WMAR-2 Newsroom if you have info, photos or videos to share.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.