Case Update: Public’s Assistance Requested in Fatal Hit and Run Crash

Published on January 02, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, January 2, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a white Chevrolet Express cargo van involved in a fatal hit and run crash investigation in the Eastway Division. 

On Sunday, December 31, 2023, at approximately 12:08 a.m., officers responded to the 3500 block of North Sharon Amity Road in reference to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers located Mariela Elizabeth Sanches Gutierrez (DOB: 09/25/2005), lying in the roadway with life-threatening injuries.  MEDIC arrived on scene and pronounced Ms. Gutierrez deceased.  

The driver of the cargo van failed to remain on the scene or contact emergency services. The vehicle is believed to have damage to the hood, bumper, front grill and is missing the Chevrolet emblem.  The van was last seen in the area of Highway 74 in Matthews, NC.

The investigation into this crash is active and ongoing.  As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office.  Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about this case is asked to call Detective Worthy at 704-432-2169, Ext. 4.  The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.  For additional information about this crash, refer to the report: 20231231-0008-02.

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Major Crash Investigation in the Eastway Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, December 31, 2023) - Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal crash in the 3500 block of North Sharon Amity Road.

On Sunday, December 31, 2023, at approximately 12:08 a.m., officers responded to the 3500 block of North Sharon Amity Road in reference to a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian.

Upon arrival, a female pedestrian was located lying in the roadway with life-threatening injuries. MEDIC arrived on the scene and pronounced Mariela Elizabeth Sanches Gutierrez (DOB: 09/25/2005) deceased at 12:15 a.m. due to injuries she sustained from being struck by a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle that struck Ms. Gutierrez failed to remain on the scene. Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and Crime Scene Search responded to investigate. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian, Ms. Gutierrez, was walking in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and render aid to Ms. Guiterrez or contact emergency services.

The family of Ms. Gutierrez has been notified of her death.

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 collision, should contact Detective Worthy at (704) 432-2169 Ext 4 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 20231231-0008-02.

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