Fatal Vehicle Crash in the North Division

Published on September 25, 2025

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal vehicle crash in the North Division.

On Wednesday, Sept. 24, at approximately 6:37 a.m., North Division officers responded to a vehicle crash with injuries call for service in the 11200 block of Reames Rd. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers located a Ford F250 and a Toyota Tacoma both with heavy front-end damage. MEDIC pronounced the driver of the Toyota, Carl Canipe, 59, deceased on scene.  The passenger, of the Toyota was transported with serious injuries. The driver of the Ford truck, Jeffery Wilkes, 28, remained on scene and cooperated with the officers.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Wilkes failed to maintain the lane of travel heading into a sharp curve and then struck the Toyota that was traveling the opposite direction.

Impairment is not suspected to be a contributing factor. However, speed is a contributing factor in this collision.

Wilkes is charged with Misdemeanor Death by Motor Vehicle and was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. Canipe’s 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 Worthy at (704) 432-2169, extension 4. 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 20250924-0637-00.

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