Fatal Crash Investigation in the Steele Creek Division

Published on November 22, 2024

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

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, shortly after 8:00 p.m., Steele Creek Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries in the 6100 block of Old Pineville Rd. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers located a white 2000 Lexus RX300 with damage to the front bumper, hood, and windshield and a pedestrian lying in the roadway with apparent life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Lexus was uninjured. MEDIC arrived on scene and pronounced the pedestrian, James Hines, 39, deceased due to the injuries he sustained from the crash. Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, Crime Scene Search and Motor Unit responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. 

The preliminary investigation indicates the Lexus was traveling north on Old Pineville Rd. when it struck Hines.  Hines was in the lanes of travel and was wearing dark colored clothing.  DWI Task Force Officers screened the driver of the Lexus, Tamika Smyre, 45, and found her to be impaired.  Smyre was arrested and taken to the CMPD Law Enforcement Center to be interviewed. At the conclusion of the interview, Smyre was charged with Driving While Impaired, Driving While License Revoked and Possession of Marijuana. Smyre was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Speed does not appear to be a factor in this collision.

Mr. Hines’ next of kin has been notified of his 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 crash, should contact Detective Pressley at 704-432-2169, Ext. 3 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 20241120-2008-00.

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