CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Detectives have charged a 19-year-old man with felony death by vehicle among other crimes after reportedly running a red light in northeast Charlotte which led to a fatal crash in March.
The accident happened on North Tryon Street on Wednesday, March 25 around 9 p.m. Officers responded to a personal injury at that location.
Upon arrival, officers located a Toyota RAV4 and a Mercedes C300, both with heavy damage. Medic transported both drivers to the hospital for their injuries sustained in the crash.
After an initial investigation officers revealed that the Toyota, driven by 19-year-old Kristian Barboza was traveling south on North Tryon Street at a high rate of speed when it entered the intersection of North Tryon and University City Boulevard through a steady red light for its direction of travel. The Toyota then struck the driver’s door of the Mercedes, driven by 54-year-old Rosselyn Mechelle Torrence, police say.
According to CMPD, at that time, Barboza was charged with Driving While Impaired, Reckless Driving, No Operator’s License, and Possession of Marijuana.
On July 30, Torrence died due to her injuries sustained in the crash. According to police, arrest warrants were obtained for Barboza for Felony Death by Vehicle and Involuntary Manslaughter. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Barboza was arrested for these outstanding warrants.
Police say drug impairment, reckless driving, and excessive speed are all contributing factors in the crash for Barboza.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.
Any person who witnessed the crash or has information about this case is asked to call Detective Pressley at 704-432-2169 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. The public can also visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.
