Man faces DWI charges after two pedestrians killed in vehicle collision

A man faces DWI charges after two pedestrians were killed in a fatal vehicle collision Tuesday in northeast Charlotte.

Authorities have identified the victims as 75-year-old Enedina Fernandez and 23-year-old Nabila Rasoul.

According to a statement by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department at 2:48 p.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle collision at the 4900 Block of  E WT Harris Boulevard and were informed that two pedestrians were hit.

When officers arrived, they located a 2019 Dodge Ram and a 2008 Honda Civic that were involved in a crash with severe damage. They also found the two pedestrians that were struck due to this collision.

The drivers of both vehicles were uninjured but Medic pronounced Fernandez deceased on the scene.  Rasoul was transported to Atrium Main but died shortly after his arrival.

CMPD’s preliminary investigation revealed that the Honda Civic, operated by James Payne, was traveling at a high rate of speed in the 4900 block of E WT Harris Boulevard.  He failed to stay in his lane and struck the rear of the Dodge Ram pickup being driven by Waun Erwin. 

The Dodge hit the curb and began to overturn along the sidewalk where the two pedestrian victims were walking.

Payne, deemed impaired by an officer, had a juvenile in the vehicle with him.

CMPD identified that speed and impairment by Payne contributed to the collision. The other driver was not speeding or impaired.  Impairment is not suspected for either pedestrian, but toxicology results are pending.

Payne was charged with two counts of felony death by motor vehicle, DWI, reckless driving, and misdemeanor child abuse. He was also charged for having an Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle and various other traffic offenses.

Anyone with information is asked to call 704-432-TIPS to speak with a homicide detective, or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.