VIRGINIA STATE POLICE TROOPER SACRIFICED HIS LIFE IN ATTEMPT TO SAVE OTHERS

Report: State Trooper Crashed, Died Avoiding Other Vehicle

The Virginia State Police has concluded its investigation into the two-vehicle crash in King George County on the evening of June 24, 2011, that claimed the life of Trooper Adam M. Bowen. At approximately 6:45 p.m. Friday (June 24, 2011), Trooper Bowen was responding to assist with a narcotics task force investigative operation.

With his lights and siren activated, Trooper Bowen was traveling west on Route 3/Kings Highway. At the intersection of Route 3 and Barbara’s Way, the traffic lights on Route 3 were solid green for both west and eastbound traffic.

As the trooper entered the intersection, an eastbound Hyundai Elantra failed to yield to oncoming traffic and began making a left turn. Based on approximately 135 feet of tire marks at the scene, eyewitness accounts, and the reconstructive investigation, Trooper Bowen had changed from the left westbound lane to the right lane while approaching the intersection in an attempt to avoid the turning vehicle.

Despite Trooper Bowen’s evasive efforts, the Hyundai struck the trooper’s vehicle at the driver’s side rear passenger door. The impact spun the Ford Crown Victoria patrol car counterclockwise into the curb off the right side of the highway. The car rolled onto the passenger side with the roof striking a traffic light pole. Meanwhile, the Hyundai came to rest in the right turn lane just west of the intersection.?