Police: Driver suspected in Matthews hit-and-run named in a dozen warrants

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Police have identified the man who they say is connected to a hit-and-run in Matthews in which a vehicle sped off, going more than 100 mph, before crashing into a power pole.

Albert Louis Cuevas, 25, is charged with hit-and-run and DWI.

Matthews police communications received a report of a hit-and-run around 6 a.m. Monday on Independence Boulevard near Sam Newell Road.

Police said Cuevas drove from the scene and reached speeds of more than 100 mph.

Then, moments later, dispatchers received a report that a vehicle had crashed into a utility pole on Sam Newell Road near Crestdale Middle School, bringing down power lines.

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer who was on his way home and witnessed the crash was able to take Cuevas into custody, officials said.

Cuevas was transported to Novant Health Matthews Medical Center to receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Sam Newell Road was closed for hours between Highway 51 and Independence Boulevard while crews worked on repairs, but police allowed students and parents access to Crestdale Middle School.

"They shouldn't be driving like that around these streets, especially at this school," parent Valentin Yuzzitski said.

Alarmed parents who said they've dodged plenty of dangerous drivers told Channel 9 that this crash has made them even more cautious.

"It's hard to know who you're driving next to on the road, especially as a mom having two little kids in the car," parent Christina Yuzzitski said. "It's definitely made me be more aware of what's happening around me when we're driving."

It was discovered that Cuevas has 12 outstanding warrants, which include several charges of assault on a female and an assault with a deadly weapon charge. Police said they had been trying to catch him for some time.

Once Cuevas is released from the hospital, he will be taken to Mecklenburg County jail for processing, police said.

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