CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A pedestrian was hit and killed in east Charlotte Tuesday morning, officials said. In a later report, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police clarified, saying the woman who died was reported by others for waving a knife and threatening people.
The woman was identified as 36-year-old, Amanda Hopkins.
Crews responded to reports of a pedestrian being hit along The Plaza, near the intersection with Fairmarket Place, near Ron's Car Wash and Fonda Las Tarascas, around 7:30 a.m. Medic confirmed the pedestrian died at the scene.
CMPD officials say the woman was hit by Cesar Alexander Rodriguez Yanes, driving a minivan. Yanes was interviewed by detectives on the scene.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department later said when they arrived to try and de-escalate the situation, the woman kept walking backward onto the street. CMPD said officers tried to get her out of the roadway several times, but she was hit by a vehicle.
CMPD noted officers did not have weapons drawn when she backed into the street.
The crash happened just a few blocks away from Charlotte's Eastbrook Woods neighborhood, where residents have raised concerns about speeding. Some neighbors told WCNC Charlotte they're worried nothing is being done to slow down dangerous drivers. Neighborhood leaders said they are petitioning for speed bumps to reduce the risk of deadly crashes.
"It's scary for me because there are children in this neighborhood," Charlene Lynch said.
Tuesday's crash happened just days after a cyclist was hit and killed along The Plaza in Plaza Midwood. After the crash, advocates called for improving the safety of Charlotte's streets for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Those are all really important things as a city our size and size that’s growing," Angela Berry, of Vision Zero, a group looking to eliminate traffic deaths, told WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker earlier this month.
This investigation is active and ongoing. CMPD's Internal Affairs Officer has also responded to conduct their own investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or has information about this case can call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600.
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