Stolen car involved in hit-and-run before deadly crash on I-77, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Investigators said a car involved in deadly crash Wednesday morning on I-77 had been stolen earlier in the morning and was also involved in a hit-and-run crash.

Police identified the driver as 35-year-old Donald Dixon.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police responded to help the state Highway Patrol with a crash at the North Carolina Welcome Center on I-77 near Westinghouse Blvd around 8:22 a.m. The car had run off the entrance ramp road and struck two trees, authorities said. MEDIC arrived and pronounced Dixon dead on the scene.

Investigators believe Dixon was driving too fast for the curve. The car ran off the side of the road, hit a tree and a light pole before going airborne, authorities said. The car struck a second tree while it was airborne. Police said the Dixon was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash.

An investigation revealed that the car had been reported stolen in Charlotte around 5:24 a.m. Wednesday and was also involved in a hit and run at a separate location at 7:43 a.m, according to police.

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