Police: Passenger dead, driver charged after car smashes into tree in south Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A passenger died when he was ejected from a car after crashing into a tree Friday afternoon in south Charlotte, police said.

[ALSO READ: Driver killed after crashing truck down embankment on Rock Hill road identified]

The crash happened just after 3 p.m. on Archdale and Ashcrest drives.

Driver Jose Mario Mejia Gutierrez, 21, has been charged in the crash that killed 19-year-old Faustino Israel Ponce Romero.

(Jose Mario Mejia Gutierrez)

Police said the driver lost control of the car when speeding around a curve.

Police said Gutierrez is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving and not having an operator's license.

A portion of Archdale Drive was shut down, from Montcrest Drive to Cherrycrest Lane.

Neighbors said the accident happened at a school bus stop. On Friday, the bus was late so no children were there at the time of the accident.

“I don’t want to get emotional, but I was home reading my Bible for at least two hours, praying and I’m just thankful,” nearby resident Nechell Wilson said.

She wants something to be done so another tragedy doesn't take place near her home.

“I hope something can be done for the safety of everyone in the neighborhood,” Wilson said. “Especially the kids when they’re walking home.”

Mejia-Gutierrez is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday, Jan. 14.

Check back to wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Police: Passenger dead, driver charged after car smashes into tree in south Charlotte
• CMPD conducting homicide investigation in west Charlotte
• High school rock painting honoring MLK stirs up controversy
• WATCH: Meteorologist Jaclyn Shearer's Saturday forecast outlook
• Pair arrested for squatting in Davidson home accused of squatting in Charlotte house

Cox Media Group