A Georgetown man died Jan. 11 after speeding away from a traffic stop in Lincoln and crashing his vehicle in Milford.

A Delaware State Police trooper pulled over a Nissan Altima about 9 p.m. on Johnson Road near North Old State Road for a registration violation, police said, but the driver, Linwood Owens Jr., 37, sped away shortly after stopping. Police said the driver drove recklessly at a high rate of speed, and police called off the pursuit over safety concerns.

A short time later, police said, the Owens entered Milford, ran off the south side of Lakeview Avenue and went onto the sidewalk before crossing West Clarke Avenue. There, police said, the vehicle struck a small tree and several shrubs in a private yard before spinning out and colliding with a large tree.

Owens was taken to an area hospital where he died. 

Lakeview Avenue was closed for about two hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Master Cpl. K. Argo at 302-703-3264, send a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.