Fatal Motorcycle Crash Investigation in the Eastway Division

Published on June 19, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, June 19, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal crash involving motorcycle in the Eastway Division.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at approximately 6:28 p.m., Eastway Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injury involving a motorcycle in the 3300 block of East Independence Boulevard.  Upon arrival, officer located a 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 with extensive damage and a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus and a 2013 Dodge Charger, both with minor damage.  The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene.  MEDIC pronounced the operator of the motorcycle, Timothy Daniel Pickell, 27, deceased on scene.

Detectives with the CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force and Motor Unit responded to the scene to conduct their investigation and members of Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Pickell was traveling inbound on E. Independence Boulevard.  Mr. Pickell was swerving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed when the motorcycle struck the rear of the Dodge Charger.  Mr. Pickell was ejected from the motorcycle.  The motorcycle continued on and struck the CATS bus.  The driver of the CATS bus and Dodge Charger were not injured and remained on scene.  Mr. Pickell was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

Speed and reckless operation of the motorcycle are believed to be contributing factors in this crash.  Toxicology results are pending.

Mr. Pickell’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 case is asked to call Detective Worthy at 704-432-2169, Ext. 4.  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:  20240618-1828-03.

###