Fatal Crash Investigation in the Steele Creek Division

Published on September 21, 2023

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, September 21, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Steele Creek Division. 

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 5:46 p.m. Steele Creek Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries in the 400 block of East Arrowood Road.  The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers located a 2004 Toyota Corolla and a 2011 Volkswagen Routan both with extensive damage to the front left corner.  MEDIC transported the driver and front seat passenger of the Toyota to the hospital with serious injuries.  A 6-year-old, sitting in the middle rear seat of the Toyota, was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver and front seat passenger of the Volkswagen were transported by MEDIC to the hospital with minor injuries.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, and Crime Scene Search responded Atrium Health Main and the scene to conduct their investigation.  The preliminary investigation indicates that the 15-year-old driver of the Toyota was traveling east on East Arrowood Road at a high rate of speed when the driver failed to maintain the lane of travel, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the Volkswagen driven by, Hector Rivero (DOB: 03/09/1962), head-on.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at approximately 5:54 p.m., the rear seat passenger of the Toyota, Ariela Lopez (DOB: 05/19/2017), was pronounced deceased at Atrium Health Main due to injuries she sustained from the crash.  Ariela’s family members were present when she passed away.  

Excessive speed and failure to maintain lane are contributing factors in this crash.

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 Kupfer at 704-432-2169, Ext. 1.  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: 20230919-1746-00. 

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