Fatal Crash Investigation in the Steele Creek Division
Published on October 17, 2024
Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, October 17, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal crash involving a single vehicle in the Steele Creek Division.
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at approximately 2:50 a.m., Steele Creek Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries in the 600 block of Archdale Drive. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers located a black Toyota Tacoma with heavy front-end damage against a tree. Two occupants were located inside of the Toyota with life-threatening injuries. MEDIC transported both occupants to Atrium Health Main. Shortly after arrival, the front passenger of the Toyota, Mr. Ever Elizand Castillo-Guardado, 22, was pronounced deceased due to the injuries he sustained from the crash. The driver of the Toyota is currently listed in critical condition.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and DWI Task Force responded to the scene and hospital to conduct their investigation. Members of Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and hospital to collect physical evidence. The preliminary investigation indicates the Toyota was traveling northeast on Archdale Drive when the vehicle veered off the left side of the road and struck a tree.
Speed and alcohol impairment are suspected to be contributing factors of this crash. Both occupants of the Toyota were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit are actively working to identify the driver of the Toyota.
Mr. Ever Castillo-Guardado’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 crash is asked to call Detective Kupfer at 704-432-2169, Ext. 1. 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: 20241016-0250-00.
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