Executive Summary
- Fatal Incident: Pedestrian Barbara Hartwell was struck and killed by a vehicle on South Main Street in Lexington.
- Delayed Discovery: Due to weather hindering vehicle recovery, the victim’s body was found in the wood line the morning following the crash.
- Injuries: Two juvenile passengers in the vehicle were treated for minor injuries.
- Legal Review: Police are consulting with the District Attorney regarding potential charges against the driver.
LEXINGTON, N.C. — Local authorities have launched an investigation into a fatal traffic collision on South Main Street that resulted in the death of a pedestrian, following the discovery of the victim’s body near the crash site the morning after the incident.
According to the Lexington Police Department, the incident originated on Saturday at approximately 9:02 p.m. near the railroad overpass by Wilfred Avenue. Investigators report that a vehicle driven by Luis Alonso Briceno exited the roadway and traveled onto the sidewalk.
Police stated that while two juvenile passengers were transported to Lexington Atrium Health with minor injuries, the vehicle itself remained at the scene overnight due to adverse weather conditions and difficult positioning. It was not until the following morning that officers discovered the body of Barbara Hartwell in the wood line adjacent to the accident site.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that Hartwell was walking on the sidewalk when she was struck by Briceno’s vehicle. The Lexington City Fire Department, Davidson County EMS, Davidson County Rescue, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol assisted with the emergency response.
Investigative Outlook
Law enforcement officials are currently consulting with the District Attorney’s Office to determine if criminal charges are warranted in connection with the fatality. The ongoing inquiry will likely examine the specific factors contributing to the vehicle leaving the roadway, assessing the impact of weather conditions against potential driver liability. It is important to note that all individuals, including Mr. Briceno, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
