Case Update: Fatal Crash Investigation in the South Division
Published on September 07, 2023
Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, September 7, 2023) – On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at approximately 10:23 p.m., 15-year-old Ella Lukse (DOB: 02/13/2008), succumbed to the injuries sustained in the crash and was pronounced deceased at Atrium Health Main. Ella’s family members were present when she passed away.
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, detectives with CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit obtained a Secure Custody Order for Gorden Ware Fleming, IV (DOB: 10/09/2005) for Involuntary Manslaughter. Fleming was arrested at his home and transported to the Law Enforcement Center (601 E. Trade St.) in Uptown for questioning. At the conclusion of the interview, he was transferred into the custody of the Stonewall Jackson Juvenile Correctional Facility in Cabarrus County.
Ella Lukse’s family has been notified of the arrest.
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 case is asked to call Detective Pressley at 704-432-2169, extension 2. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20230903-2057-02.
###
Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, September 5, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a serious injury motor vehicle crash in the South Division.
On Sunday, September 3, 2023, at approximately 8:57 p.m., South Division officers responded to a motor vehicle collision with injuries in the 8200 block of Raintree Lane. Upon arrival, officers located a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee overturned and a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta badly damaged in the roadway. MEDIC responded to the scene and transported two passengers from the Jeep and both occupants of the Volkswagen to Atrium Health Main due to their injuries. The driver of the Jeep, Gorden Ware Fleming, IV (DOB: 10/09/2005), was uninjured and remained on scene.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the Jeep was traveling south on Raintree Lane when his jeep struck the right side of the Volkswagen driven by Tokla Parker Chhem, Jr. (DOB: 04/25/2007). The impact of the crash caused the Jeep to overturn and the Volkswagen to go off of the roadway and into a tree. A 15-year-old passenger in the Volkswagen suffered severe, life-threatening injuries.
Excessive speed is believed to be a factor. Mr. Fleming was found not to be impaired but had consumed alcohol prior to the collision. He was arrested and charged with Driving After Consuming Under 21 and Reckless Driving. Additional charges could be forthcoming pending the result of the continued investigation.
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 case is asked to call Detective Pressley at 704-432-2169, extension 2. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20230903-2057-02.
###