Fatal Hit and Run Investigation in the Steele Creek Division

Published on November 11, 2026

Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026) – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Major Crash Investigation unit is investigating a fatal hit and run involving a pedestrian in the Steele Creek Division.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, at approximately 8:51 p.m., officers, Charlotte Fire and MEDIC responded to the 100 block of E. Arrowood Road in reference to a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive victim, Niceforo Garcia-Rufino, 43, lying in the roadway. MEDIC arrived and pronounced Rufino deceased at the scene.

The driver who fled the scene was last seen traveling east on E. Arrowood Road near the intersection from Nations Ford Road towards South Boulevard in a red Mercedes Benz.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Rufino was crossing E. Arrowood Road near the intersection of Nations Ford Road. Rufino was not inside a marked crosswalk. The driver of the Mercedes was driving above the posted speed limit at the time of the crash.

The suspect vehicle has been located, but the driver is still outstanding.

The victim’s next of kin has been notified.

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 D. Leung at 704-432-2169 ext. 6. 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: 20261110-2051-00.

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