Fatal Pedestrian Crash Investigation in the South Division
Published on August 28, 2024
Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, August 28, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian in the South Division.
On Monday, August 19, 2024, shortly before 4:30 p.m., South Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injury involving three vehicles and a pedestrian in the intersection of Pineville Matthews Road and Providence Road. Upon arrival, officers located 2022 Dodge Ram pickup truck with heavy damage to the driver’s side, a 2016 GMC Yukon SUV with heavy damage to its front-end and a 2018 Volkswagen with minor damage to the rear bumper. Officers also located a pedestrian lying in the roadway near the Ram pickup. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC responded to the scene. MEDIC transported the pedestrian to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the pedestrian, Eric Macken, 41, was pronounced deceased.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit responded to the scene to conduct their investigation and members of Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The preliminary investigation indicates the GMC Yukon was turning from Pineville-Matthews Road onto northbound Providence Road. The driver of the Dodge Ram, Scott Austin, 44, failed to stop for a red light and collided with the GMC. The impact of the crash caused the Ram pickup to spin and strike Mr. Macken who was crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk. The Dodge Ram continued and struck the Volkswagen.
This case was presented to the Mecklenburg County Magistrate’s Office and a warrant was issued for Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle. On Wednesday, August 28, Mr. Austin turned himself into the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Speed nor impairment are believed to be factors in this crash, however, the case remains under investigation.
Mr. Macken’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 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, please refer to the report: 20240819-1628-00.
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