A man has been sentenced to at least six and a half years in prison for causing a motorcycle crash that resulted in the death of a 24-year-old man. The Beaufort County District Attorney’s Office announced that Chon Owens received a prison sentence ranging from 6.7 years to 9.8 years after pleading guilty to felony hit and run resulting in death and felony death by vehicle.
The incident occurred on May 11, 2023, around 9:20 p.m. Investigators determined that Owens was driving an F-150 truck near the US 17 Bypass in Washington when he made a left turn and collided with a motorcycle ridden by Hunter Lancaster. Authorities stated that Owens failed to yield to oncoming traffic, leading to the fatal crash. Lancaster was severely injured and died while being transported in an ambulance from the scene.
According to officials, Owens initially stopped and exited his vehicle but then chose to flee the scene. A Washington police officer later pulled him over on the US 17 ramp. Upon being stopped, Owens exhibited multiple signs of impairment, including a strong odor of alcohol, red glassy eyes, slurred speech, and an unsteady gait. Authorities also discovered an open cold beer inside his truck.
Despite initially denying that he had been drinking, a blood test conducted by the State Crime Lab confirmed that Owens had a blood alcohol level of .14, which is nearly twice the legal limit of .08.
Owens’ sentencing reflects the severity of the charges, with the court recognizing the reckless and negligent actions that led to the tragic death of Lancaster. The case highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the consequences of failing to remain at the scene of an accident. Authorities continue to stress the importance of responsible driving and the legal obligations of motorists involved in collisions.
