Fatal Crash Investigation in the University City Division
Published on September 17, 2023
Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, September 17, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the University City Division.
On Saturday, September 16, 2023, at approximately 8:20 p.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries in the 3700 block of West W.T. Harris Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers located a 2019 Ford F-150 overturned and a 2004 Nissan 350Z off the roadway in a nearby wooded area. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC responded to the scene. MEDIC pronounced the driver of the Ford F-150, Jarrod Bayless (DOB: 01/05/1980), deceased on scene. The front seat passenger of the Ford, Michelle Bayless (DOB: 04/28/1982), and the driver of the Nissan, Zachary Alexander (DOB: 02/13/1996), were both transported to Atrium Health Main with serious injuries.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, CMPD Motor Unit, and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates the Nissan was turning left onto David Cox Road from eastbound West W.T. Harris Blvd when it was struck in the rear by the Ford F-150 traveling recklessly and at a high rate of speed westbound on West W.T. Harris Boulevard. As a result of the collision, the Ford overturned and both vehicles went off of the roadway into a nearby wooded area.
Mr. Alexander was screened and found to be impaired by alcohol. He was charged with Driving While Impaired (DWI).
Speed appears to be a factor in this crash for Mr. Bayless, however, it is unknown if impairment is a factor. Toxicology results are pending.
Mr. Bayless’ next of kin have been notified of his death.
Detectives with the CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit would like to speak to the driver of the red Ford Mustang with black wheels and a black top, pictured below. It is believed the driver is a potential witness of this crash. The vehicle was last seen in the area of Waterford Hills Drive at West Sugar Creek Road.
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, extension 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 case, please refer to the report: 20230916-2020-02.
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