Fatal Crash Investigation in the Hickory Grove Division
Published on February 17, 2026
Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, February 17, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Hickory Grove Division.
On Monday, Feb. 16, at approximately 6:34 p.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Lawyers Rd. and Split Oak Dr.
Upon arrival, officers located a damaged Kawasaki motorcycle and a Chevrolet Colorado. The driver of the motorcycle, Marcus Carter, 49, was located on the scene with life threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet, J Cruz Garcia, 47, sustained minor injuries. MEDIC arrived on scene and pronounced Mr. Carter deceased.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and DWI Task Force responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. Members of Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The Charlotte Fire Department also responded to the scene.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Carter was traveling southeast on Lawyers Rd. behind a vehicle that was making a right turn onto Split Oak Dr. As the vehicle in front was turning right, Mr. Carter went into the center turn lane to pass the vehicle when he struck the Chevrolet, causing Mr. Carter to be ejected.
Mr. Garcia was issued a citation for no operator’s license and no insurance.
Toxicology results are pending for Mr. Carter.
Mr. Carter’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Division. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Kupfer at 704-432-2169 ext. 1. The public can also leave information anonymously by calling Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, using the Charlotte Crime Stoppers P3 Tips Mobile App or by visiting the Charlotte Crime Stoppers website. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20260216-1834-01.
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