Teen killed in crash riding scooter in Uptown

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A teenager is dead after the electric shooter he was riding in Charlotte Saturday was struck by a truck.

The crash happened at the intersection of Mint Street and W Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd near Truist Field on Saturday around 6:25 p.m., according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Police say David Sevilla, 16, was riding a motorized Bird-brand scooter when he entered the crosswalk and was struck by a 2022 Dodge Ram 3500.

Sevilla was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

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The driver of the truck, who is a juvenile, remained on the scene and was found not to be impaired by police.

No charges have been filed at this time, according to CMPD. However, the investigation is still ongoing.

"The accident over the weekend was a tragedy and it hurts particularly because we discussed the possibility of accidents like that," City Councilman Ed Driggs, who chairs the transportation committee, said. "So, now we need to take another look at our policies and what we put in place and see whether there's any indication that we should change anything because of this event."

In 2019, Charlotte city council tightened restrictions on electric scooters, including capping the speed at 15 mph and banning them from some sidewalks in busy parts of Uptown.

They've also added millions of dollars to the proposed city budget to build more bike lanes, increase street lighting, and improve sidewalks, according to Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera, who chairs the budget committee.

"This is just a drop in the ocean where we have to continue to invest larger amounts into our infrastructure to ensure we can eliminate all traffic-related fatalities," Councilwoman Ajmera said.

According to Bird's website, riders must be at least 18. They should also travel in bike lanes or roads and are asked to wear a helmet.

The company also has a beginner mode and safe start option to discourage riding while impaired, but some Charlotteans say many of the rules aren't followed.

"Some of them are on the sidewalks, and some of them are on the street, and it's like, not good for pedestrians on the sidewalk, because they're like, going pretty fast and zooming by," Naomi Kunz, a resident, said.

In a statement to WCNC Charlotte, the company said, "We are deeply saddened for those impacted by this tragic accident and our hearts go out to the victim's friends and family. Bird is in touch with law enforcement as it investigates this tragedy. Given that ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further."

They're also working to address riding on the sidewalk.

Councilwoman Ajmera said they're hoping for more state and federal infrastructure funding to support their safety efforts, as budget proposal discussions continue.

More information will be provided on this crash when it is available.

Kayland Hagwood: Contact Kayland Hagwood at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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