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On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Officers with the Washington Police Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to a crash involving three vehicles at US 264 and NC HWY 17.  Two motorcycles were traveling west on US 264 when a pickup truck turned left in front of them striking both motorcycles.  The driver of the pickup truck attempted to leave the scene, but was quickly apprehended by officers with the Washington Police Department.  Hunter Lancaster, 24 years old from Chocowinity, died in the crash and the driver of the second motorcycle was treated for minor injuries.

The driver of the pickup truck was Chon Owens, 51 years old from Kernersville NC.  He was charged with Driving While Impaired, Felony Hit and Run, and Felony Death by Motor Vehicle.  He was confined to the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $200,000 bond.

The Washington Police Department is continuing to investigate and re-construct this crash with the assistance of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.  They are also working with the District Attorney’s office to see if additional charges will be brought in the accident.