In the late hours of September 1, a hit and run left one man dead—a pedestrian struck by a vehicle that veered into the wrong lane. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has since been to rigorously investigate the matter, piecing together the last moments of Mr. Antonio Darnell Harris, aged 34. In a statement obtained by CMPD's Public Affairs Office, authorities were called to the scene in the 1100 block of West Sugar Creek Road shortly before 10:15 p.m.
The scene responders discovered Mr. Harris lying unresponsive, partially in the median. Despite the quick arrival of Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC, and their efforts to hastily transport him to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, he was pronounced dead. The suspect, driving a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, had fled without stopping to offer aid to the victim. The Major Crash Investigation Unit, alongside the DWI Task Force, has been quick to respond to collect evidence and process the site of the tragedy.
Through diligent work, detectives managed to identify and locate Mr. Leonardo Hernandez Perez, 31, as the driver of the incriminating vehicle. Mr. Perez, facing serious charges including Felony Death by Vehicle and Felony Hit and Run causing Death, was transported to the Law Enforcement Center for interrogation, subsequently being taken into custody by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. An additional charge of No Operator’s License and Reckless Driving was also levied against him, according to details released by CMPD.
