Officers Injured During Vehicle Crash in the Eastway Division

Published on July 24, 2025

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, July 24, 2025) – Three Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries in a traffic crash in the 2500 block of Independence Boulevard in the Eastway Division.

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 5:51 p.m., two officers were travelling outbound on Independence Boulevard in a marked CMPD vehicle. A Buick Regal travelling inbound crossed the double yellow line and struck the CMPD vehicle head on.

Two CMPD officers were transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The officers were released from the hospital and are recovering from their injuries. A third CMPD officer was treated for an injury sustained while responding to the crash and was also released from the hospital.

The driver of the Buick Regal, Thomas Royster, 36, whose license is currently suspended for a 2025 DWI conviction, was transported to a local hospital. Royster was suspected of being intoxicated at the time of the crash. Royster was released from the hospital and charged with two counts of Felony Serious Injury and Driving While License Revoked for a prior DWI. Citations were issued for Open Container, Reckless Driving, Unsafe Movement, HOV Lane Violation, Seatbelt Violation and Driving Left of Center. Royster has been transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Division. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20250723-1753-02.

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