Fatal Pedestrian Crash Investigation in the Independence Division
Published on December 04, 2023
Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, December 4, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian in the Independence Division.
On Saturday, December 2, 2023, at approximately 4:21 p.m., Independence Division officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injury involving a pedestrian in the 5600 block of East Independence Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious pedestrian lying in the roadway and a 1999 Ford E-350 box truck in the roadway. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene. MEDIC pronounced the pedestrian, Leopoldo Villalpando-Castillo (DOB: 05/05/1967), deceased on scene.
Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, DWI Task Force, Motor Unit responded to the scene, along with Crime Scene Search to conduct their investigation. The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Castillo was attempting to cross the eastbound lanes of the 5600 East Independence Boulevard when he walked into the path of box truck and was struck. Mr. Castillo was not in a crosswalk and was wearing dark clothing at the time of the crash. The driver of the Ford box truck, Steven Duran Drummond (DOB: 09/07/1968), remained on scene.
Impairment and speed are not believed to be factors in this crash for Mr. Drummond.
It is unknown at this time if impairment is a factor for Mr. Castillo. Toxicology results are pending.
Mr. Castillo’s 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 case is asked to call Detective Mercedes at (704) 432-2169, extension 5. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20231202-1621-02.
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