Fatal Crash Investigation in the University City Division

Published on September 09, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, September 9, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the University City Division.

On Monday, September 9, 2024, at approximately 4:45 a.m., University City Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Plaza Road Extension and Hood Road.  The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers located a damaged 1999 Ford F-150 and 2018 Ford F-250 with heavy front-end damage. The driver of the Ford F-150, Lee Staten, 57, was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Ford F-250, Edwin Bellorin, Jr., 30, suffered minor injuries and remained on scene.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. Members of Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. 

The preliminary investigation indicates the Ford F-150 was travelling north on Hood Road with a green light illuminated in his direction of travel. As the F-150 entered the intersection, a Ford F-250, traveling east on Plaza Road Extension, failed to stop at a red light and entered the intersection and struck the driver’s side of the F-150.

Mr. Bellorin showed signs of impairment at the scene and was arrested and transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) in Uptown (601 E. Trade St.) to speak with detectives.  At the conclusion of the interview, he was transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Felony Death by Motor Vehicle.

Mr. Staten’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 crash is asked to call Detective Kupfer at 704-432-2169, extension 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: 20240909-0445-02.

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