2 People Killed After Impaired Driver Causes Crash, Police Say

CHARLOTTE, NC — Police are investigating a fatal crash in the 4900 block of E WT Harris Boulevard that happened Tuesday afternoon.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m., police responded to a call that two people were struck by a vehicle. Paramedics and firefighters responded and found a Dodge Ram and Honda Civic involved in a severe crash, police say.

Two people were hit, and both drivers remained on the scene of the crash. The pedestrians have been identified; Enedina Fernandez, 75, was pronounced deceased by Medic on scene.

The other pedestrian, Nabila Rasoul, 22, was transported to Atrium Main by Medic and died shortly after arrival from the injuries sustained in this crash. Their families have been notified of their death.

Police say the driver of the Civic, James Payne, 21, was traveling at a "high rate of speed" and failed to maintain his lane, hitting the Dodge Ram in the back. Then the Dodge hit the curb, beginning to overturn right as two people were walking by. The Dodge hit the two walkers.

Payne was screened for impairment and was deemed impaired by an officer of the DWI Task Force. James Payne also had a minor in the vehicle while impaired, police say.

Speed and alcohol are not factors in this crash for the driver of the Dodge Ram.

Payne was charged with two counts of Felony Death by Motor Vehicle, DWI, Reckless Driving, and Misdemeanor Child Abuse. Payne was also charged for having an Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle and various other traffic offenses.

The investigation into this collision is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office. Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about this case is asked to call Detective Buckley at 704-432-2169, extension 6. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.