Fatal Pedestrian Crash Investigation in the Central Division

Published on December 21, 2025

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, December 21, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal vehicle collision that occurred on the John Belk Freeway near Kenilworth Avenue in the Central Division.

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, shortly after 7 p.m., Central Division officers responded to an accident with personal injury call for service in the 800 block of the John Belk Freeway. When officers arrived on scene, they located an unresponsive pedestrian, Wayne Raymond Cruse, 79, in the middle of the ramp to Kenilworth Avenue and a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse with damage to the front right fender and front windshield that was occupied by a single driver, Richard Antonio Wofford, 50.

Mr. Cruse was pronounced deceased on scene by MEDIC. Mr. Wofford was not injured and refused MEDIC.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, Crime Scene Search (CSS), and the DWI Task Force responded to the scene and began their investigation. Initial investigation indicates Mr. Cruse was walking in the middle of the roadway in dark non-reflective clothing when he was struck by a Chevrolet Traverse driven by Mr. Wofford.

Mr. Wofford was screened for impairment and determined not to be impaired.

Speed does not appear to be a factor for Mr. Wofford.

It is unknown if impairment was a factor for Mr. Cruse. Toxicology results are pending.

Mr. Cruse’s next of kin has been notified of passing.

This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs.  Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Sessoms at (704) 432-2169 Extension 3 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. The public can also visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information, please refer to report number: 20251220-1901-05.

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