Case Update: Fatal Crash Investigation in the Independence Division
Published on May 10, 2026
Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Major Crash Investigation Unit have identified the driver of the Volkswagen Passat to be Luis Vazquez Reyes, 33.
Mr. Reyes’ next of kin has been notified of his death.
This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops, it will be released by 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, extension 1. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or
Charlotte Crime Stoppers. The report number for this case is 202600510-0224-02.
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Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, May 10, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Independence Division.
On Sunday, May 10, at approximately 2:24 a.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries in the 9400 block of East W.T. Harris Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers located a damaged Infiniti Q50 and Volkswagen Passat. The driver of the Volkswagen was located on the scene with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Infiniti, Danise Manuelita-Chavez, 29, and passenger, Ronald Givens Jr., 39, were located with minor injuries.
MEDIC transported the occupants of the Infinitiand driver of the Volkswagen to a local hospital where the driver of the Volkswagen was later pronounced deceased.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and DWI Task Force responded to the scene and the hospital to conduct an 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 has revealed that the Volkswagen was traveling north on East W.T. Harris Boulevard when it veered to the left, traveling into oncoming traffic and striking the Infiniti that was traveling south on East W.T. Harris Boulevard. The driver of the Volkswagen was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Both occupants of the Infiniti were wearing their seatbelts.
Next of has not been notified at this time. Detectives are actively working to identify next of kin.
This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops, it will be released by 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, extension 1. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers. The report number for this case is 202600510-0224-02.
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