The Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Sunday night in Milford following a pursuit.
Authorities said that on January 11, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a trooper observed a Nissan Altima commit a traffic violation on Johnson Road near North Old State Road in Lincoln. A computer check also revealed a registration violation, according to police. The trooper initiated a traffic stop on North Old State Road, but after initially stopping, the vehicle sped away for unknown reasons.
Police said that the Altima was driven recklessly and at a high rate of speed on several area roadways. The pursuit was subsequently canceled due to concerns for public safety. Shortly after the pursuit was terminated, the vehicle crashed on Lakeview Avenue within the Milford city limits.
The preliminary crash investigation determined that while traveling at a high rate of speed, the Altima left the roadway on the south side of Lakeview Avenue and entered the sidewalk. The vehicle crossed West Clarke Avenue, struck a small tree and several shrubs in a private yard, spun, and ultimately collided with a large tree.
The driver was identified as 37-year-old Linwood Owens, Jr., of Georgetown, Delaware. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries.
Lakeview Avenue was closed for approximately two hours while the scene was investigated and the roadway was cleared. The crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police.
