Fatal Crash Investigation in the South Division

Published on September 20, 2023

Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, September 20, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the South Division.

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 10:46 p.m., South Division officers responded to the 9200 block of Park Road in reference to a motor vehicle crash.  Upon arrival, officers located a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee with heavy front-end damage and a 2015 Toyota Camry with extensive passenger side damage.  The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC responded to the scene.  MEDIC pronounced the driver of the Toyota, Joseph Richard Wash (DOB: 12/31/1979), deceased on scene due to the injuries he sustained in the crash.

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 revealed the Toyota was traveling north on Park Road and was making a left hand turn onto Birnen Drive.  The Jeep was traveling south on Park Road at a high rate of speed and struck the passenger side of the Toyota. 

Excessive speed and alcohol use appear to be contributing factors in this crash.

The driver of the Jeep, Lamar Antoine Redfern (DOB: 06/05/1980), was found to be operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol.  Detectives obtained warrants against Mr. Redfern for Felony Death by Motor Vehicle and Reckless Driving.  He will be transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office upon his release from the hospital.

Mr. Wash’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 case is asked to call Detective Worthy at 704-432-2169, extension 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: 20230919-2243-01.

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