Driver Charged, Victim Identified In Deadly North Tryon Street Accident

CHARLOTTE, NC — Police have charged the driver they say is responsible for a deadly accident Monday morning in northeast Charlotte.

According to CMPD, 24-year-old Julius Brandon Lawson was speeding along University City Boulevard around 9:40am when an officer tried to stop him. Realizing that Lawson wasn’t going to stop and fearing it would be too dangerous, officials say the officer decided not to pursue.

Lawson had gotten onto the I-485 outer loop and was taking the North Tryon Street exit when the deadly accident occurred.

Police say Lawson ran through a “steady red light” at the intersection and was hit by a yellow Ford Econoline van driven by Christopher Holcomb, 26. Holcomb was treated for minor injuries.

A passenger in the van, 33-year-old Matthew Schwatka, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene, according to police.

A third vehicle, a 2006 International 9200, was also involved in the accident, but officials say the driver of that vehicle was not injured.

Lawson has been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Driving While License Revoked.

Anyone with additional information, or who may have witnessed the accident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.