Fatal Crash Investigation in the Eastway Division

Published on May 13, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, May 13, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal crash involving three motor vehicles in the Eastway Division.

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at approximately 10:53 p.m., Eastway Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries involving three vehicles in the 1700 block of Eastway Drive.  Upon arrival, officers located a 2006 Honda Civic driven by Francisco Javier Ortiz-Ruiz, 20, a 2011 Ford CATS Bus driven by Tranisha Baxter, 54, and a 2020 Infiniti QX60 driven by Katherine Regina Berry, 61.  The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene.  MEDIC pronounced the driver of the Honda, Francisco Ortiz-Ruiz deceased on scene.  All other parties were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and members of Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to conduct their investigation.  The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Ortiz-Ruiz was driving southbound on Eastway Drive at a high rate of speed. The bus, driven by Mrs. Baxter, 54, was traveling north on Eastway and making a left turn onto Dunlavin Way. There was one passenger on the bus.  The Infiniti, driven by Mrs. Berry ,61, was stopped at a stop sign on Dunlavin Way at Eastway Drive.  As the bus was turning left, the front of the Honda struck it on the right front. The bus was then pushed into the Infiniti. 

Mr. Ortiz-Ruiz’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 CMPD’s Public Affairs Office.  Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about this case is asked to contact Detective Pressley at 704 432-2169, Ext. 2.  The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers.   For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20240511-2253-01.

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