Published on March 19, 2023
On Saturday, March 18th, 2023, at approximately 7:06 p.m., officers responded to the 3100 block of Central Avenue in reference to a fatal collision involving two vehicles. Upon arrival, officers located a 2014 Nissan Sentra with heavy front passenger side damage sitting in the roadway. The other vehicle was a 2012 Hyundai Genesis that was pinned between a power pole and an embankment and sustained heavy damage throughout the vehicle. The driver of the Nissan, Alejandro Gomez (DOB: 09/25/1999), and his front seat passenger, Walter Hernandez (DOB: 08/31/1997), were transported to Atrium Main with minor injuries. The driver of the Hyundai, Kendall Ross (DOB: 05/22/1993), was pronounced deceased on scene by MEDIC. The front seat passenger of the Hyundai, Lillian Hennes (DOB: 07/07/1993), was transported with life-threatening injuries to Atrium Main after having to be cut out of the vehicle. Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, CMPD Crime Scene Investigation, and an examiner from the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. Evidence indicated that Mr. Gomez was operating his 2014 Nissan Sentra at a high rate of speed while traveling east on Central Avenue. He attempted to navigate the curve in the 3100 block of Central Avenue when he went into the right lane and struck the rear of the Hyundai causing it to run off the right side of the road and strike a power pole before getting wedged in an embankment and the pole. The Nissan continued eastbound and struck a curb before spinning and coming to final rest. Mr. Gomez was screened for impairment and found to be impaired. Speed is also a factor for Mr. Gomez. Speed is not a factor for Mr. Ross and impairment is not suspected, but toxicology results are pending. Mr. Gomez was arrested and charged with Assault with Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, Felony Death by Vehicle, and Reckless Driving. 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 Buckley at (704) 432-2169, Ext. # 6. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers. For additional information about this crash, please refer to the report: 20230318-1906-02.
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