Fatal Crash Investigation in the Central Division

Published on December 02, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, December 2, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Central Division.

On Sunday, December 1, 2024, at approximately 2:12 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block West Morehead Street in reference to a pedestrian being struck by a motor vehicle.

Upon arrival, they located an unresponsive male later identified as Ryan Zadrozny, 23, in the roadway.

The Charlotte Fire Department and Medic responded to the scene to assist.

CMPD’s Crime Scene Search Unit also responded to conduct the investigation.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Zadrozny, along with two pedestrians, were crossing West Morehead Street in a marked crosswalk. As Mr. Zadrozny was crossing the road, a Mercedes Benz, which was being driven by Mache Ulysses Darby, 40, was traveling southeast on West Morehead Street at a high rate of speed. The Mercedes Benz struck Mr. Zadrozny.

Mr. Zadrozny was pronounced deceased on scene. Mr. Darby kept driving and fled the scene in the Mercedez Benz. The two pedestrians with Mr. Zadrozny were uninjured.

Central Division officers located the Mercedes a few blocks from the crash location. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle. Mr. Darby fled from officers and crashed after a short pursuit. Officers apprehended Mr. Darby and Medic transported Mr. Darby to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Mr. Darby was found to be impaired at the time of the crash.

Excessive speed and impaired driving are contributing factors for this vehicle collision.

Mr. Darby was charged with:

  • Felony Death by Vehicle
  • Felony Hit & Run
  • Felony Flee to Elude
  • Reckless Driving.

This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Mercedes at (704) 432-2169 Ext# 5 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. The public can also visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. The report number for this case is 20241201-0212-01.

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