Driver Was Impaired, Crossed Line In Accident That Killed 1: CMPD

CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte police have arrested and charged a 39-year-old man they say was speeding and under the influence when he crossed the centerline in an accident late Saturday night, killing another driver.

Shortly before midnight on July 28, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers responded to a south Charlotte collision in the 2100 block of Runnymeade Lane involving a 2010 Ford Escape and a 2006 Subaru.

According to a police report, the Subaru — driven by Jimmy Gallarday — “was traveling at a high rate of speed and crossed the double-yellow line,” striking the Ford. “Speed and alcohol are contributing factors in this crash,” the CMPD report said.

Juan Octavio Reyes, 31 and driver of a Ford Escape, was pronounced dead on the scene. His passenger, Meredith Lauren Turner, 25, was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

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Gallarday, as well as his front seat passenger Wilmer Max Guevara, 46, were both taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Gallarday was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, as well as felony death by vehicle and two counts of felony serious injury by vehicle. He was transferred to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, CMPD said.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing and CMPD asks that anyone with information contact CMPD Detective Reibold at 704-432-2169.

Photo courtesy Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office