Death Investigation in the Freedom Division
Published on January 18, 2025
Case Update: Death Investigation in the Freedom Division
Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, January 19, 2025) – The victim in this case has been identified as Steve Smith Ibarra, 35. The victim’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Moran is the lead detective assigned to this case. 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: 20250118-0033-01.
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Death Investigation in the Freedom Division
Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, January 18, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit are conducting a death investigation in the 11200 block of Windy Grove Road in the Freedom Division.
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, shortly after 12:30 a.m., officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 9500 block of Walkers Ferry Road in the Freedom Division. The vehicle did not stop and fled from officers at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue the vehicle but located it a short distance later in the 11200 block of Windy Grove Road in the Freedom Division. While officers were conducting their investigation, they located someone yelling for help in Lake Wylie. They rescued the male subject from the lake and began life-saving efforts. The subject was transported to a nearby hospital by MEDIC where he was pronounced deceased.
Two officers were also transported to the hospital and have since been released.
A parallel Internal Affairs investigation is also being conducted.
Detectives with CMPD’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene along with Crime Scene Search. Representatives from CMPD’s Operations Command, Internal Affairs, the Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing, and the cause of death is unknown at this time. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Moran is the lead detective assigned to this case. 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: 20250118-0033-01.
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