CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police detectives are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash in the Eastway Division after officers responded about 7:26 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, to the 3600 block of Eastway Drive over Independence Boulevard.
Officers found Christopher Easterling, 49, injured in the roadway. MEDIC pronounced him dead at the scene. A Cadillac DTS with front-end damage remained there with driver Jacoa Stringfellow, 41.
CMPD Major Crash Investigation Unit detectives and DWI Task Force officers worked the scene with Crime Scene Search, Charlotte Fire and MEDIC. Investigators said Stringfellow was traveling north on Eastway while Easterling was crossing outside a marked crosswalk and was not wearing reflective clothing.
Police said Stringfellow was screened for impairment, found impaired, arrested for driving while impaired and transferred to Mecklenburg County Sheriff Office custody. Easterling next of kin has been notified. The case remains active under report 20261008-1926-04.
Eastway Drive was closed in both directions for several hours at the interchange while investigators worked. Witnesses are asked to contact Detective Worthy at 704-432-2169, extension 3, or leave tips with Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
CMPD Chief Estella D. Patterson department handles major crash probes across Mecklenburg County as Mayor Rob Harrington administration tracks east Charlotte traffic safety after the Eastway fatal. Independence Boulevard and Eastway Drive remain a busy eastside interchange, and police asked anyone who saw the crash to come forward as the Major Crash Investigation Unit continues its work.
