Fatal Crash Investigation in the North Division

Published on August 19, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, August 19, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal crash in the North Division. 

On Sunday, August 18, 2024, at approximately 9:08 a.m., North Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injury involving two vehicles in the 6500 block of Old Statesville Road.  Upon arrival, officers located a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 with heavy front-end damage and a 2017 Harley Davidson Motorcycle with damage.  The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene.  MEDIC transported the operator and rider of the Harley Davidson to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.   The operator, Dennis Paul Koch, 47, was pronounced deceased at the hospital due to his injuries. 

Detectives with the CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force and Motor Unit responded to the scene to conduct their investigation and members of Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The preliminary investigation indicated that the Mercedes Benz failed to stop for a stop sign and drove into the path of the Harley Davidson. Both the driver and rider of the Harley Davidson were ejected from the Harley Davidson.  The driver of the Mercedes Benz remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The driver of Mercedes Benz, Vernetta Laverne Beatty-Cypriani, 44, was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and was transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. 

Speed and impairment do not appear to be a factor in this crash at this time, however, the case remains under investigation.

Mr. Koch’s next of kin has been notified of his death. 

The investigation into this crash is active and ongoing.  As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Division.  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:  20240818-0908-03. 

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