CMPD: Impaired, speeding driver slams into another car, killing 2 people

Oct 17, 2024 at 5:33 PM

Deadly Collision: Impaired Driver Causes Tragic Crash in Charlotte

In a devastating incident that has shaken the community, a driver believed to be under the influence of substances has been charged with causing a fatal collision in Charlotte, North Carolina. The crash claimed the lives of two individuals, leaving a trail of heartbreak and raising concerns about the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness around impaired driving.

Tragedy on the Roads: A Preventable Loss of Life

The Fateful Collision

The tragic incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Tuesday in the northern part of Charlotte. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers responded to a call reporting a collision between a Hyundai Sonata and a Toyota Camry on East W.T. Harris Boulevard near Sugar Creek Road. The impact of the crash was so severe that both vehicles were sent careening over a curb and into a grassy area off the road.

Victims of the Crash

The driver of the Camry, 47-year-old Aneesah Akbar, and her passenger, 74-year-old Darlene Akbar, were both rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. Tragically, they succumbed to their wounds and passed away, leaving behind devastated loved ones and a community in mourning.

The Impaired Driver

The driver of the Sonata, 25-year-old De'Ontrey Taylor, was also transported to the hospital, but his injuries were not life-threatening. Upon investigation, officers determined that Taylor was impaired at the time of the crash. After being discharged from the hospital, he was charged with two counts of felony death by vehicle, reckless driving, and driving without a valid license.

Seeking Justice and Preventing Future Tragedies

The tragic loss of life in this incident has sparked outrage and a renewed call for stricter measures to address the issue of impaired driving. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, in the hopes of shedding more light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.

The Ripple Effect of Impaired Driving

The consequences of impaired driving extend far beyond the immediate victims. Families and communities are left to grapple with the emotional and financial burdens of such senseless tragedies. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive education, enforcement, and rehabilitation efforts to combat the scourge of impaired driving and prevent similar heartbreaks from occurring in the future.

A Call for Action and Awareness

As the investigation into this tragic crash continues, the community is rallying together to demand justice and to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Policymakers, law enforcement, and public health advocates must work in tandem to implement robust measures that deter impaired driving, provide support for those struggling with substance abuse, and ensure that the roads remain safe for all who use them.