Fatal Crash Investigation in the Steele Creek Division
Published on February 24, 2024
Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, February 24, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a pedestrian death investigation in the Steele Creek Division.
On Friday, February 23, 2024, approximately 11:29 p.m. officers from the Steele Creek Division responded to the 12600 block of South Tryon Street in reference to a vehicle collision involving a bicyclist. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived.
When officers arrived, they located a bicycle on the sidewalk with heavy damages and an unresponsive male who was later identified as Mr. Christopher Ryan Starr. The Charlotte Fire Department and Medic responded to the scene. Medic pronounced Mr. Starr deceased on scene.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Starr was operating his bicycle outbound on South Tryon Street in the right-hand lane, near the curb approaching the intersection of Steele Creek Road. Mr. Starr was wearing a reflective vest and a flashing light on his helmet. Mr. Christian R Diaz Castillo was operating a white Mazda CX-5 on South Tryon Street in the same direction of the bicycle. The Mazda’s front right corner collided with the bicycle sending Mr. Starr airborne and causing him to land on the sidewalk. Mr. Castillo fled the scene but was later located and identified by officers.
Speeding and reckless driving are contributing factors for Mr. Castillo. Mr. Castillo was charged and arrested for Felony Hit & Run and Involuntary Manslaughter. Mr. Starr did not have contributing factors and his toxicology report is pending.
Mr. Starr’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
The investigation into this incident is active and ongoing. As further information develops it will be released by CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Mercedes at (704) 432-2169 Ext# 5 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. The public can also visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20240223-2329-00.
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