Stolen truck investigation ends in deadly crash with 2 officers hurt, CMPD says

CMPD said they were investigating a report of a stolen tractor-trailer that hauled off cars on the shoulder. They said they were working with someone from the company that owned the truck and were there speaking with the person who reported the car stolen.

The stolen truck was found on the shoulder and they were about to recover it, police said. That was when someone driving an RV came off I-485, hitting the reporting person and two police cars, CMPD Maj. Dave Butler said.

“Both of the officers were inside their vehicles,” Butler said. “The individual who was struck and killed was outside the vehicles speaking to one of the officers.”

The impact of the crash sent one of the police cars and the camper down an embankment along the woods.

The person who reported the truck stolen is the one who died at the scene, police said. On Friday, CMPD said the victim was 29-year-old Brian Lavon Battle.

One of the police officers was pinned in his car and had to be extracted by Charlotte Fire. He was taken to a nearby hospital with internal injuries, CMPD said.

“He is conscious and alert and in good spirits considering the severity of the collision,” Butler said.

The driver of the RV was taken to a hospital to be evaluated. He was also conscious and alert and his injuries weren’t life-threatening, Butler said.

A second officer who was involved was also taken to the hospital as a precaution. That officer’s car was one of the ones hit but wasn’t as damaged as the first officer’s, Butler said. His injuries aren’t serious.

Traffic was blocked from getting onto the ramp but still continued flowing along I-485. The ramp was closed through Thursday afternoon.

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Drivers were asked to avoid the area.

Butler said it’s too early in the investigation to share information about charges. It’s also not clear yet what led to the RV driver causing the crash.

“We have to be aware of ourselves, we have to be aware of people around us,” Butler said.

‘To protect and serve’

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings posted on X Thursday night: “Our hearts go out to the family of the person killed in today’s crash on I-485.

“While we investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic moment, our thoughts are also with the CMPD officers who responded and the one who was injured at the scene. Each day, our men and women put themselves in danger to protect and serve the citizens of Charlotte.

“It’s a challenging role but one we are proud to uphold. We are thankful our officer is expected to make a full recovery.”

As for the victim, Battle, loved ones said he was a father who was doing his job transporting a vehicle when the crash happened.

‘Become a safer driver’

It’s an unpleasant reminder of the price officers pay to protect the public.

“If you’re constantly looking over your shoulder because traffic is whizzing by you at 70 mph, it is a really uncomfortable feeling,” said Dan Redford, the president of the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police. “I can tell you, having been a police officer for over 20 years, that I hated doing work on the highway.”

Traffic-related matters can be some of the most dangerous duty officers are assigned, he said.

Thursday morning’s crash also brought back painful memories of losing Officer Mia Goodwin in 2021.

“Some reminders when she was killed, so were still suffering through that,” Redford said.

Drivers should slow down when they see emergency lights.

“Drive like the most important person in your life is beside you,” Redford said. “Whether that’s your child. Whether that’s your spouse. But your goal is to protect them from getting injured and if you do that, you become a safer driver.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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