Troopers: Motorcycle Crash Takes Man’s Life Day Before Thanksgiving, Charges Pending

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle that took place late Wednesday night in Dover, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.

Bratz said the incident occurred at approximately 10:21 p.m., Wednesday, November 21, 2018, on Forrest Avenue (SR 8) at Artis Drive west of Dover. A 2013 Mazda MZ3, operated by operated by a 27-year-old of Dover, was traveling northbound on Artis Drive and stopped at the stop sign at the intersection of Forrest Avenue (SR 8). A 2000 Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by Davon T. Johnson, 27, of Hartly, was traveling eastbound on Forrest Avenue (SR 8) approaching the intersection of Artis Drive.

The Mazda pulled away from the stop sign and attempted to make a left turn into the path of the Kawasaki motorcycle, according to Bratz. Johnson braked and laid the motorcycle down on its left side and slid into the left front fender and driver’s side door of the Mazda for impact in the eastbound lane within the intersection. After impact, the Mazda driver drove to a residence on Sharon Hill Road north of the collision scene, said Bratz. The motorcycle operator was ejected and thrown onto the roadway just north of the area of impact, added Bratz. The Kawasaki motorcycle came to rest in the area of the initial impact.

The operator of the Mazda MZ3 returned to the crash scene in another vehicle a short time later. He identified himself to witnesses as having been involved in the collision, said Bratz. He was not injured in the collision.

Bratz said the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. Alcohol is suspected on the part of this driver, according to Bratz.

Davon Johnson, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene, said Bratz.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 ½ hours while the investigation was completed and the roadway was cleared.

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