Pedestrian dies after running into path of van on Independence Boulevard, CMPD says

A pedestrian was killed while running across traffic lanes during rush hour on East Independence Boulevard, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

The pedestrian was identified as Barry Vernon Grier, 53, CMPD said.

It happened around 5:24 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, in the 5100 block of East Independence Boulevard, CMPD said in a news release. The site is southeast of the N. Sharon Amity Road intersection.

“Upon arrival, officers located a pedestrian in the roadway with severe injuries near a 2015 Chevrolet Express Van with front-end damage,” officials said.

“The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene by Medic due to the injuries sustained from the crash.”

The driver of the van, Ruslan Pugach, 35, remained at the scene.

Investigators say it appears “the pedestrian was attempting to cross East Independence Boulevard and ran directly into the path of the” van, which was east bound.

“Neither impairment nor excessive speed appears to be contributing factors for Mr. Pugach,” officials said.

An investigation is ongoing and results of a toxicology test on the pedestrian are pending, police said.

This story was originally published December 31, 2021 at 8:18 AM.