Fatal Crash Investigation in the Steele Creek Division

Published on July 28, 2023

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, July 28, 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 Thursday, July 27, 2023, at approximately 10:07 a.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of E. Westinghouse Boulevard in reference to a motor vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival, officers located a 1997 Isuzu landscape truck with left-rear damage, a 2007 Infinity G35 with heavy front-end damage and a 2018 Ford Transit Connect with heavy front-end damage.  The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene. The drivers of the Ford and the Infinity were both transported by MEDIC to Atrium Health Main with serious injuries. The driver of the Infinity, Maurice Leach (DOB: 07/13/2000), was pronounced deceased at the hospital due to injuries he sustained from the crash.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, Motor Unit, and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the Isuzu, Edgardo Mejias (DOB: 07/03/1996), made a left turn from Rodney Street onto E. Westinghouse Boulevard. The driver of the Infinity, Maurice Leach (DOB: 07/13/2000), was traveling west on Westinghouse Boulevard, failed to reduce his speed and struck the left rear corner of the Isuzu. The collision between the two vehicles caused the Infinity to cross into oncoming traffic, striking the Ford van driven by, David Roman (DOB: 04/09/1975), head-on.  

Excessive speed by the driver of the Infinity is suspected to be a contributing factor for this crash. Impairment for Mr. Leach is unknown at this time and he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The next of kin for Mr. Leach 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 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, please refer to the report: 20230727-1007-01. 

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