Crime & Courts

CMPD investigating crash that left 1 driver dead, 2 hurt in University City

Police are investigating a crash between two drivers that left one person dead and two others in the hospital Saturday night.

It happened around 8:30 p.m. in the 3700 block of West W.T. Harris Blvd., in University City, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a release.

The driver of a Ford F-150 pick-up truck, 43-year-old Jarrod Bayless, died at the scene. His passenger, 41-year-old Michelle Bayless, was taken to the hospital along with the other driver involved, 27-year-old Zachary Alexander. Investigators say they both have serious injuries.

According to investigators, Alexander was turning left in his Nissan 350Z onto David Cox Rd. when Bayless hit the back of his car. When officers arrived, they found the truck overturned and the car located off the road in a wooded area nearby.

CMPD says Bayless was traveling recklessly and at a high rate of speed. Alexander was also screened and charged for driving while impaired.

“Speed appears to be a factor in this crash for Mr. Bayless, however, it is unknown if impairment is a factor,” CMPD states in the release. “Toxicology results are pending.”

Detectives also are looking to speak with the driver of a red Ford Mustang who they believe may have been a witness.

Any person who witnessed the crash or has any details about what happened is asked to contact Detective Kupfer at 704-432-2169. You can also leave tips anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or online at charlottecrimestoppers.com/.

This story was originally published September 17, 2023 at 12:38 PM.

Chyna Blackmon
The Charlotte Observer
Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
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