Fatal Crash Investigation in the Providence Division

Published on July 22, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, July 22, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Providence Division.

On Saturday, July 20, 2024, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Providence Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries in the 4700 block of Monroe Road.  Upon arrival, officers located a Nissan Xterra and a Honda Accord both with severe damage in the roadway.  The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene.  MEDIC pronounced in the driver of the Nissan, Mr. Steven Velez, 61, deceased on scene. 

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit responded to the scene to conduct their investigation and members of Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence.  The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Velez was traveling northwest on Monroe Road when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center concrete median and struck the Honda head-on.  The driver of the Honda, Mr. Lavaris Jamil Ferry, 43, and the vehicle’s passenger, Rodrick Javier Block, 46, were transported by MEDIC to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Speed and reckless driving are believed to be factors in this crash for Mr. Velez.  Toxicology results are pending.

Mr. Velez’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 Office.  Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about this case is asked to call Detective Mercedes at 704-432-2169, Extension 5.  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: 20240720-2140-01.

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