13-Year-Old Boy Struck and Killed Riding Bike in West Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC – A community is in mourning after a 13-year-old boy was struck and killed Saturday riding a bike down Remount Road near Wilkinson Boulevard.
“He just liked to work on bikes and ride bikes and that’s what he did,” explains West Charlotte resident Brandy Holland.
Police have not released the teen’s name, but many like Holland say they know the boy’s family.
“I’m pretty sure that their world, that they feel like their world is over, their child is gone way too soon,” she says.
Investigators say the teen was hit just before 1pm after taking a left turn in front of a Ford Explorer driven by 47-year-old Benjamin McPherson.
McPerson was arrested and charged after police found out he was driving without a valid license.
“He hasn’t said anything. He’s more stunned than anything,” says Lakeisha Allen.
She’s friends with McPherson and says her daughter was riding in the car when the teen was struck. “She was in the car asleep. And the impact is what woked her up,” Allen explains.
Investigators say speed and alcohol were not factors in the crash. Allen says she’s grateful her kids are alright and says it’s scary for everyone involved.
“Keep your kids close. Always know where your kids are. At every moment, because anything can happen,” Allen says.
“It’s very sad. And it’s tragic. And as a mother, I couldn’t fathom the thought of my son out riding and bike and not coming back,” Holland says.