Fatal Crash Investigation in the Eastway Division
Published on December 27, 2023
Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, December 27, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Eastway Division.
On Friday, December 22nd, 2023, at approximately 5:45 p.m., officers from the Eastway Division responded to the 3600 block of Central Avenue in reference to a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Upon officers’ arrival, they located a silver 2016 Kia Rio in the roadway with front end damage and a male under the vehicle. The driver of the Kia was still on scene and was identified as Mr. David Garrel Allen (DOB 03/24/1970). The male subject under the Kia was identified as Mr. Christopher Columbus Aery (DOB 01/31/1944). The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC responded to the scene to assist. MEDIC pronounced Mr. Aery deceased on scene.
The CMPD Major Crash Investigation Unit along with the DWI Task Force, the Motor Unit and Crime Scene Search responded to conduct the investigation. The initial investigation indicates that Mr. Aery was crossing Central Avenue in an area without a crosswalk. Mr. Aery was wearing dark clothing at the time of the crash. As Mr. Aery was crossing, he fell forward into the path of the Kia Rio which was traveling east on Central Avenue.
Impairment is unknown for Mr. Aery and is pending the toxicology report. Mr. Allen was screened for impairment and he was found not to be impaired. Speed is not a factor for this crash.
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 20231222-1745-01.
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