Fatal Crash Investigation in the Hickory Grove Division
Published on August 06, 2023
Fatal Crash Investigation in the Hickory Grove Division
Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, August 6th, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Hickory Grove Division.
On Sunday, August 6th, 2023, at approximately 02:24 a.m., officers responded to the 6300 block of Albemarle Road in reference to a motor vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival, officers located a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta with heavy front end damage and a 2014 Dodge Ram with heavy front passenger side damage. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene. The drivers of the Volkswagen and the Dodge were both transported by MEDIC to Atrium Health Main with serious injuries. The front seat passenger of the Volkswagen, Heriberto Patino Maldonado (DOB: 04/07/1987), was pronounced deceased on scene due to the injuries that were sustained in this collision.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the Dodge, Jesus Lopez Garcia (DOB: 06/10/1983), was traveling west on Albemarle Road and was attempting a U-turn at Farm Pond Lane. While making the U-turn he had a yellow caution arrow in his direction of travel. While making the U-turn he was struck by the Volkswagen that was being driven by Marcario Torres (DOB: 08/24/1994). The Volkswagen appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed with no headlights on.
Both drivers were screened for impairment, and both were determined to be impaired, and impairment are factors in this crash for both drivers. Mr. Garcia was also charged with Failure to Yield the Right of Way, No Operator’s License, and Possession of an Open Container in a Motor Vehicle. Mr. Torres was additionally charged with No Operators License, Operating a Motor Vehicle with No Headlights, Reckless Driving, and Possession of an Open Container in a Motor Vehicle. Both drivers were also charged with Felony Death by Motor Vehicle.
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 Buckley at 704-432-2169, Ext. 6. 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, please refer to the report: 20230806-0224-06.
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