CHARLOTTE, Mecklenburg County, N.C., Nov. 9, 2026 — A driver has died after a three-vehicle crash late on Saturday night, November 7, at the intersection of E. W.T. Harris Boulevard and Albemarle Road in the Hickory Grove area, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Officers, Charlotte Fire crews, and MEDIC were sent to the intersection around 11:48 p.m. after the crash. Responding units found a Volvo with heavy front-end damage, a Mitsubishi with heavy damage on its left side, and a Chevrolet with front-end damage in the roadway. Five people were taken to area hospitals with injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to life-threatening. The Mitsubishi's driver, identified by CMPD as 56-year-old Crystal Barrington, was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Investigators said the crash followed an earlier call about a suspicious vehicle, the Volvo, and its driver, 18-year-old Treshawn Gerald Wilson. According to CMPD, Wilson fled from officers at a high rate of speed before crashing at the same intersection a short time later. Police said officers were not actively pursuing Wilson when the crash happened.
Wilson was taken to the Law Enforcement Center for an interview with detectives and was then turned over to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, CMPD reported. He faces charges including second-degree murder, felony serious injury by vehicle, felony flee to elude, driving while intoxicated under 21, and reckless driving. The Major Crash Investigation Unit continues to investigate, and CMPD said the victim's next of kin has been notified.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
More on Crashes in Charlotte, NC
The fatal crash was reported at E. W.T. Harris Boulevard and Albemarle Road in Charlotte. Local crash statistics, the steps for getting a police report, and nearby trauma centers are on our Charlotte crash data and police report guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a family do after a loved one dies in a crash like this?
Families are usually contacted directly by the investigating agency and can request updates through the officer or unit named in the case. Keeping a record of the report number and any charging documents can help later if questions arise about the investigation's outcome.
How do police investigate a fatal multi-vehicle crash?
Specialized crash units typically document the scene, examine each vehicle for damage patterns, interview witnesses and drivers, and review any video or speed data available. These findings help determine how the collision happened and whether charges are warranted.
How long does a fatal crash investigation usually take?
Timelines vary widely. Some cases close within weeks, while others, especially those involving pending charges or lab results, can take months before investigators release final findings.
Does impairment usually factor into fatal crashes?
It can, but it is confirmed only when the investigating agency states it directly, usually after toxicology results or field testing. Charges related to impairment, like the DWI count in this case, reflect what the agency found during its investigation.
