A quiet late morning in Cumberland County turned tragic Thursday when a vehicle hit a toy car carrying two young children in the Gray's Creek area, killing a 2-year-old and injuring an older sibling. Authorities said the 4-year-old was taken to a hospital for treatment, and the driver of the vehicle also received medical care after the crash.
The collision happened just before noon on April 23 along the 4000 block of Mena Drive in the Gray's Creek Mobile Home Community. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office launched a preliminary investigation at the scene, according to The Fayetteville Observer. That outlet reports that 18-year-old Fayetteville resident Abinijah Lavon Lewis crossed the center line and struck the toy car that the 2-year-old and a 4-year-old were riding in. Investigators have not released the names of the children or their parents.
State Highway Patrol troopers told WRAL the vehicle rounded a corner and hit the small play car as it traveled along the shoulder of the road. Troopers remained on site while investigators documented the scene and collected evidence. Emergency crews took both children and the driver to nearby medical facilities, and officials have not yet said whether any charges will be filed.
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office told local media that charges are pending while investigators continue to review the crash scene and witness statements, according to ABC11. Authorities said additional details will be released once the preliminary investigation wraps up.
Fuquay-Varina Activates Stage 1 Water Restrictions
The Town of Fuquay-Varina is tightening the tap. Stage 1 water conservation measures took effect April 24, 2026, with town officials aiming to cut overall water use by about 10%, the town announced. Under the rules, automated irrigation systems may only run on designated days that depend on whether a property has an odd- or even-numbered address. Hand watering and drip irrigation systems are exempt from the schedule, so residents can still tend to thirsty plants, just not with a free-for-all sprinkler setup.
Violations can bring a warning at first, followed by fines, and for repeat offenders, the town can go as far as suspending water service, according to the official notice.
Chapel Hill Man Arrested Over Alleged New Orleans Festival Threat
In a separate development, a former Chapel Hill police officer was arrested in Destin, Florida, after authorities say he planned an attack on a New Orleans festival. Law enforcement officials said Christopher Gillum was taken into custody after deputies found a handgun and about 200 rounds of ammunition in his hotel room, according to reporting by 6ABC.
Gillum is currently being held in the Okaloosa County jail while he awaits extradition to Louisiana. Officials credited close coordination among multiple agencies for tracking him down and preventing the alleged plot from advancing.
Anyone with information about the crash on Mena Drive is asked to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office at 910-323-1500 or Fayetteville Crime Stoppers at 910-483-TIPS, as noted by The Fayetteville Observer. Investigators said they will share more updates as they become available.
