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Fatal Hit and Run Crash Investigation in the North Tryon Division

Published on September 03, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, September 3, 2024) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian in the North Tryon Division.

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, shortly before 10:15 p.m., North Tryon Division officers responded to a hit and run collision involving a pedestrian in the 1100 block of West Sugar Creek Road. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive male subject lying partially in the median in the northbound lanes of W. Sugar Creek Road. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene. MEDIC transported the pedestrian, Mr. Antonio Darnell Harris, 34, to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force and responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. Members of Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and collect physical evidence. The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Harris was standing in the median when he was struck by a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado pickup traveling in the wrong direction on West Sugar Creek Road. The driver of the pickup failed to stop and did not remain at the scene of the crash to render medical aid to the victim.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit later identified and located the driver of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Mr. Leonardo Hernandez Perez, 31. Mr. Perez was transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) in Uptown (601 E. Trade St.) to speak with detectives. At the conclusion of the interview, Mr. Perez was transferred into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and charged with the following:

Felony Death By Vehicle
Felony Hit and Run causing Death
No Operator’s License
Reckless Driving

Mr. Harris’ 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 the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about this crash is asked to call Detective Leung at 704-432-2169, Ext. 6. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information about this crash, please refer to the report: 20240901-2214-00.

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