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Police Identify Woman Killed In Wrong-Way Crash

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- A head-on collision following a police chase has left an innocent woman dead. The victim has now been identified as 66-year-old Louise Donner of Linthicum.

Amy Yensi has more on what we know about the victim.

Friends describe Donner as a hard-working mom who will be truly missed. They say she was heading home but never made it. The 66-year-old was killed instantly when a speeding suspect trying to dodge state police crashed into her car head-on.

"This was a simple traffic stop. All of this could have been avoided if he just pulled over," said Elena Russo, Maryland State Police.

Coworkers tell WJZ Donner worked at a local Giant supermarket and lived with her daughter, who they say is distraught over her mother's tragic death.

Those who know Donner say out of respect for the family, they will not comment on the crash but they call her an angel on earth who will truly be missed.

Police say they tried pulling over the suspect, Johnathan Simms, in Glen Burnie Thursday afternoon, but he sped away. The pursuit turned deadly when he got on the wrong side of the road and slammed into the innocent driver.

The 31-year-old suspect lives in Baltimore City and has a history of traffic violations, according to online court records.

Simms was taken to a local hospital with injuries. He's expected to survive. State police say he'll likely face several charges, including vehicular manslaughter.

Police aren't exactly sure why the suspect fled.

State police officials say Simms was traveling at least 90 miles per hour at the time of the crash.

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