A deadly incident following an illegal speed race in Montgomery County has led to the arrest and charging of Owen Roland Kirill Fowler, a 25-year-old Bethesda man. Fowler is facing charges of gross negligent manslaughter by vehicle for the crash that occurred on March 9, resulting in the death of 30-year-old Jobani Alfredo Cruz. According to WUSA9, the two were engaging in a "speed contest" on Connecticut Avenue when the chaos unfolded.
The crash took place just past midnight when both individuals, reported by WUSA9, were recklessly racing northbound. Cruz, behind the wheel of a 2023 Ram 1500 pickup, and Fowler, driving a 2012 Mercedes SLK convertible, were going to speeds double the 30-mph speed limit, dangerously weaving in and out of traffic before the violent collision occurred – a clear disregard for the sanctity of life and law.
Investigators found that Cruz's vehicle struck Fowler's near Primrose Street, leading to both vehicles overturning. Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene after his truck hit a utility pole and trees before flipping. Fowler sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The aftermath of the tragedy revealed further negligence; Cruz was driving with a BAC of 0.12, over the legal limit, as stated in the WJLA report.
It was also discovered that Fowler was operating his vehicle without a valid license, having had his driving privileges revoked previously. Despite these facts, after being taken into custody, Fowler was able to quickly secure his release after posting 10 percent of a $5,000 bond. The ongoing investigation aims to finally unravel the events that precipitated such a fateful night and the senseless loss that followed.
