NORTH CAROLINA — One person is dead after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 77 following a crash involving a stolen car late Sunday night, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Police said officers were alerted just after 10 p.m. to a vehicle reported stolen from the area of Old Pineville Road near East Woodlawn Road. Officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver did not stop. In accordance with department policy, officers discontinued their pursuit and deactivated emergency equipment.
A short time later, an off-duty officer in an unmarked vehicle spotted the stolen car and followed it from a distance. The vehicle eventually crashed on I-77 near Nations Ford Road.
Authorities said two people inside the vehicle fled on foot after the crash. One suspect was taken into custody, while the second ran across the interstate, crossing northbound lanes into southbound traffic, where they were struck by a vehicle.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the suspect remained at the scene and was not found to be impaired, police said.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including CMPD’s Major Crash Investigations Unit, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC. CMPD Internal Affairs is also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact CMPD or Crime Stoppers.
