BOWIE, Md. (7News) — Officials said police did not pursue, as new security video obtained by 7News shows the moments before a vehicle fleeing from a traffic stop crossed the center line and slammed into another car in Bowie, killing a 69-year-old woman.
New photographs obtained by 7News also show the extensive damage to the vehicles involved and the suspect after he was taken into custody.
The crash happened Wednesday evening in the 2800 block of 9th Street. The victim has been identified as 69-year-old Deborah Saffran of Bowie. Police said she died at the scene.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the crash has been whether police were chasing the suspect when the collision happened — Police said they were not.
RELATED | Woman killed in Bowie crash after vehicle fleeing police hit her car
According to investigators, officers attempted to stop a man who was wanted in an unrelated case near Lanham Severn Road and Driscoll Drive. The driver initially pulled over but then took off toward 9th Street. Police said the officers involved in the traffic stop had already been advised not to pursue the vehicle.
About a half-mile from the original traffic stop, investigators say the suspect’s vehicle crossed the double yellow lines and struck Saffran’s vehicle. A third vehicle was also hit, but that driver was not injured.
The suspect was taken to a hospital and is expected to be OK, according to police. His name has not been released, and investigators have not said what charges he could face.
The new security video shared with 7News captures the suspect’s vehicle traveling down the roadway before crossing the double yellow lines and crashing into Saffran’s car.
A woman in Prince George’s County died after a crash caused by a vehicle driven by a suspect who had been fleeing police, officials said. (7News)
The newly obtained photographs show the aftermath of the collision, including the severe damage to the vehicles.
A woman in Prince George’s County died after a crash caused by a vehicle driven by a suspect who had been fleeing police, officials said. (7News)
Saffran was just a half-mile from her home when she was killed, according to information provided to 7News.
Her family spoke with 7News reporter Brad Bell but did not want to appear on camera. The family told 7News Saffran had also been battling cancer.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy spoke with 7News about the crash and the consequences of the suspect fleeing from police. She placed responsibility for Saffran’s death on the driver who fled.
“The fault is the person who killed Ms. Saffran. That’s whose fault it is. Honestly, this is very, very frustrating, whatever the initial stop was for, I am sure the consequences for that stop is not as serious as what the fleeing suspect is now facing. Because we are talking about the loss of life,” Braveboy said.
The Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigation Division responded to the scene following the fatal crash.
However, the division ultimately declined to investigate, saying the incident did not meet its criteria for an officer-involved fatality.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Prince George’s County Police Department at 301-731-4422.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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