The Town of Denton, Maryland, is mourning the death of George William Bacorn Jr., the longtime Denton Police chief who was killed Friday in a collision involving a delivery truck in Talbot County.
Bacorn, 62, was pronounced dead at the scene after the crash on Maryland Route 331 near Dover Neck Road in Easton on September 25, 2026.
He had spent 36 years serving with the Denton Police Department and was still serving as its chief at the time of his death.
Denton Police Chief Killed in Easton Crash
Maryland State Police said troopers from the Easton Barrack responded to the crash shortly before 11:30 a.m. Friday.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Bacorn was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe eastbound on MD 331 when a westbound Ford Transit delivery truck crossed the center double-yellow line.
The truck initially struck the side mirror of a Chevrolet Silverado traveling eastbound before continuing across the roadway and hitting Bacorn’s Tahoe head-on.
Bacorn was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. The driver of the delivery truck, identified as 31-year-old Antonio Jaquan Handy of Salisbury, was flown to a local trauma center. No other injuries were reported.
George William Bacorn Jr. at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | George William Bacorn Jr. |
| Age | 62 |
| Residence | Denton, Maryland |
| Profession | Police chief |
| Department | Denton Police Department |
| Years of service | 36 years |
| Date of death | September 25, 2026 |
| Location of crash | MD 331 near Dover Neck Road, Talbot County |
| Vehicle | Chevrolet Tahoe |
| Cause of death | Fatal injuries from motor-vehicle collision |
| Investigation | Maryland State Police |
A 36-Year Career in Denton Law Enforcement
Bacorn’s death marked the end of a decades-long career with the Denton Police Department.
The Town of Denton formally recognized him in January 2026 for 35 years of service to the department. Town records also show that he was serving as police chief and participating in community law-enforcement initiatives during his final year.
His department’s policy manual also identifies Bacorn as the chief of police, reflecting his leadership role within the agency.
His career placed him at the center of public safety in Denton for more than three decades.
Investigation Into the Fatal Collision
The Maryland State Police Crash Team is handling the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Investigators have said the delivery truck crossed the center line for reasons that remain under investigation. The roadway was closed for more than three hours while authorities processed the crash scene.
Once the investigation is completed, the findings are expected to be forwarded to the Talbot County State’s Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether charges are appropriate.
At this stage, the investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced a final determination regarding potential charges.
Denton Community Reacts to Bacorn’s Death
The Town of Denton Police Department announced Bacorn’s death and asked residents to respect the privacy of his family and department colleagues.
His death also drew a response from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who ordered flags lowered to half-staff in his honor.
The governor described Bacorn as someone who dedicated his life to public service and expressed condolences to his family and the Denton community.
The response reflects the significance of Bacorn’s long tenure in local law enforcement.
Remembering George Bacorn
For the Denton Police Department, Bacorn was not simply a police chief but a veteran member of an agency he had served for more than three decades.
His 36-year career covered years of changes in the community and in modern policing, culminating in his continued service as chief in 2026.
Town records show that his 35-year service milestone had been formally recognized only months before his death.
His sudden death in a highway collision has left the department and the Denton community grieving while investigators work to establish the complete circumstances of the crash.
What Happens Next?
Maryland State Police are continuing their investigation into the September 25 collision.
The findings will help determine the precise circumstances that led the delivery truck to cross the center line and strike the vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
Further information may be released as the investigation progresses and as authorities review the evidence gathered at the scene.
For now, George William Bacorn Jr. is being remembered as a Denton police chief whose career spanned 36 years of service to the Maryland community.
Disclaimer
This article is based on current reports from Maryland State Police, the Town of Denton and local news coverage. The crash investigation remains ongoing, and additional details or findings may be released by authorities. Any potential criminal charges remain subject to the outcome of the investigation and review by the Talbot County State’s Attorney’s Office.