Gastonia police are asking neighbors to help track down an SUV driver after a hit-and-run crash Tuesday night left a moped rider dead at a westside intersection.
The collision happened around 8:45 p.m. at West Walnut Avenue and North Ransom Street. The rider, identified by authorities as 46-year-old Christopher McAllister, later died from his injuries.
According to an SUV that fled the scene, investigators say the moped was hit by an SUV that did not stop. Police are looking for a gray or dark Jeep Compass or Cherokee with light to moderate front-end damage. A map of the crash site was shared with the public to help jog memories and prompt people to check any video they might have from the area.
The City of Gastonia lists the police department’s non-emergency number as 704-866-6714, and the department’s main page includes information on how to report tips. Anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage from around the time of the crash is asked to call Gastonia Police at that number.
Investigators’ lead on the vehicle
Investigators told the SUV may be a gray or dark Jeep Compass or Cherokee with front-end damage and urged anyone who saw such a vehicle Tuesday night to reach out. Police also posted a map highlighting West Walnut Avenue and North Ransom Street as a reference point for neighbors reviewing security footage or trying to recall what they saw.
Legal consequences under state law
North Carolina law takes this kind of case seriously. Leaving the scene of a crash that causes serious injury or death can be charged as a felony. N.C. General Statute §20-166 says a willful violation when a crash results in serious injury or death is punishable as a Class F felony. The statute allows lengthy license revocations, including permanent revocation when the crash results in death, and directs courts to sentence in the aggravated range in fatal cases (N.C. Gen. Stat. §20-166).
How neighbors can help
Investigators say the small stuff matters: a car’s color, a partial license plate, or a note about fresh front-end damage can break a case open. Even short clips from dashcams or doorbell cameras could be useful.
Anyone who noticed anything unusual near West Walnut Avenue and North Ransom Street between about 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. Tuesday is urged to call Gastonia Police at 704-866-6714 or use the tip information listed on the city’s site.
Officers are still working to identify the driver in this deadly crash and say community tips could be the key to an arrest. This story will be updated as authorities release more information.
