A devastating early morning crash has left one man dead and another facing charges in the North Division of Charlotte. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), two vehicles were involved in a serious collision on Reames Rd. This Wednesday at about 6:37 a.m., which resulted in the death of 59-year-old Carl Canipe, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives with CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit reported responding to the 11200 block of Reames Rd after receiving calls concerning a vehicle crash with injuries. Arriving with the fire department and MEDIC, responders found a Ford F250 and a Toyota Tacoma entangled in wreckage, both bearing severe front-end damage. It was after MEDIC pronounced Canipe, the Toyota’s driver dead, the Toyota passenger was then transported with serious injuries. However, Jeffery Wilkes, the 28-year-old driver of the Ford, stayed on scene and cooperated with the police.
Initial findings suggest that Wilkes failed to maintain his lane while navigating a sharp curve, leading to a head-on collision with Canipe’s Tacoma. While impairment has been ruled out as a contributing factor, the investigation pointed to speed playing a role in the tragic event. The aftermath of the investigation culminated with Wilkes being charged with Misdemeanor Death by Motor Vehicle and his subsequent transfer into the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office…