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Saturday, January 30, 2010

POLICE PURSUIT ENDS IN FATAL CRASH

(Hollywood, MD) – Maryland State Police continue their investigation into a fatal crash involving the driver of a pickup truck who sped away from troopers on a routine traffic stop.

The deceased is identified as Francis X. Chase, Jr., 33, of the 43000-block of Palamino Drive in Hollywood, Maryland. Chase was a passenger in the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver is identified as Tyrone D. Butler, 39, of the 23000-block of Sugar Maple Court in California, Maryland. He was flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to Prince George’s County Shock Trauma with non life threatening injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates that around 1:30 p.m. today, a trooper assigned to the Leonardtown Barracks stopped Butler, the driver of a white 1995 Dodge pickup truck for speeding on Mervell Dean Road in Hollywood. When asked, Butler was unable to provide proper identification, but did provide a name. The name given to the trooper was found to be of an individual with a suspended license. Subsequently, the trooper called for backup assistance to initiate the arrest of the driver.

Once backup arrived, both state troopers approached the vehicle. When asked to step out of the vehicle, Butler fled the scene initiating the pursuit on to State Route 235. Butler led police on a 2.5 mile pursuit until Butler turned abruptly onto Vista Road and then into a private driveway, crashing into two trees where the vehicle came to rest.

Butler was apprehended as he exited the vehicle. Emergency personnel immediately rendered first aid at the scene. Butler was flown to Prince George’s County Shock Trauma Center.

Troopers, along with paramedics from Advanced Life Support, attempted life saving measures on the passenger, Chase. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Maryland State Police CRASH Team is on the scene conducting the investigation. The Maryland State Police Aviation Command, Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department responded to the crash.

No charges have been placed at this time. Maryland State Police are consulting with the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney as the investigation continues.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well that is one criminal off the streets.

18C05000480 Chase, Francis X Jr Plaintiff Saint Mary's County Circuit Court Motor Tort Closed/Inactive 05/04/2005 Chase Vs The Brethren Mutual Insurance Company
18K09000119 Chase, Francis X Jr 08/1976 Defendant Saint Mary's County Circuit Court Jury Trial Criminal Closed/Inactive 02/18/2009 State of Maryland vs Francis X Chase Jr
6Q00041957 Chase, Francis X Jr 08/1976 Defendant Saint Mary's County District Court CR Closed 10/31/2008
1Q00036478 Chase, Francis X 08/1976 Defendant Saint Mary's County District Court CR Closed 04/11/2007
000000FX61878 Chase, Francis Xavier Jr 08/1976 Defendant Calvert County District Court Traffic ACTIVE CASE 10/04/2009
1Q00008072 Chase, Francis Xavier Jr 08/1976 Defendant Saint Mary's County District Court CR Closed 07/18/1997
040200028491995 Chase, Francis Defendant Charles County District Court CONT Closed 11/29/1995

Anonymous said...

Although Francis was a criminal Tyrone was a bigger criminal. Tyrone would have been a better selection for deceased.

Anonymous said...

So...why did we fly him to a shock trauma? How about we took him in an ambulance for a SLOW tour around every city in MD BEFORE taking him for treatment??? Maybe we wouldnt have to support his dumb azz for many years to come!!!

Anonymous said...

Felony fleeing ending in death = a murder charge.

Chelsea Reid said...

I am from the area this occurred. I can tell you this road is dangerous even when not involved in a high speed car chase.

I can also tell you that car was on fire at one point. This man died a needless and horrible death.

Anonymous said...

Chelsea Reid how about the needless and horrible crimes these two individuals have been inflicting on society?

Chelsea Reid said...

Those are also horrible. I never said they weren't.

All I am saying that it was a sad waste of life.

Anonymous said...

Chelsea... let me get you some Bounty Quicker-Picker-Uppers to sop up all that mess from your bleeding heart.

Chelsea Reid said...

Well heaven forbid I express a opinion.

All I'm saying is that this didn't need to happen. The idiot driving didn't need to flee the scene , but he did. He also didn't need to commit the crimes, but he did. I'm glad he was caught, but I am sad it came to this.

PS: At least when I put in a comment, I leave a name rather than hide anonymously behind the internet (though this comment is not directed towards those who must remain anonymous due to jobs and such)

dave in salisbury said...

ok while it was bad that the driver chose to run but the pursuit caused a fatality to the passenger who may or may not have wanted to be in that position... all the cop had to do was call for more help up the road and he had the drivers name and they could have picked up the driver later at home or someplace else.. but no the cop started a chase and someone is dead because of it... the cop needs to be charged with something too

Anonymous said...

Catch him later??? Are you kidding? The guy didn't provide any type of identification. The information provided was verbally out of the mouth of a criminal. At the time of the stop did the trooper really know it was him? Secondly, who is at fault? The trooper trying to do his job or the bad guy that ran?

Anonymous said...

Knew sooner or later it had to be the police officer's fault! Get real! It says the name he gave was that of a suspended driver, from that I get it was found to be a false name. Go figure.

Anonymous said...

Dave in Salisbury..... you are a moron sir...

Anonymous said...

Irreguardless of Mr. Chases' history...(possesion of weed)...he DID NOT DESERVE TO DIE. He was not the driver, he did not choose to flee....instead his so called "friend" made the decision that took his life. Nobody is perfect and I do not condone drug usage, but Francis did not deserve to die PERIOD!

Anonymous said...

I was a very good friend of the deceased and to write a comment such as "One less criminal on the streets" is damn near shameful. You don't need a bleeding heart to realize there are family and friends that relied on a person regardless of the friends that he kept. Do we not all have bad seeds in our circles that could get us in a precarious situation at some point? Walk a mile in a mans shoes and those around him before judging him like a coward behind the guise of an Anonymous Posting.

Anonymous said...

Amen. I am not a "bleeding heart" I think criminals should get whats coming to them. However, what if that was YOUR child, brother, cousin, etc.. as a passenger in the car. What would be your opinion THEN? It would be completely different. Be careful, Karma, my friend, Karma.....

Unknown said...

I was a friend of Francis, I have known him for 10 years. He was NOT a bad guy, He made some bad decisions in his life, like the rest of us. The Francis I knew would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. I met him at work, and he was a hard worker, and a generous, friendly person. For all of you that have nothing better to do than sit back and insult him, SHAME ON YOU!! Maybe, just maybe you should know what or who you are talking about before you post trash.