Loved ones remember man killed while jogging; suspect in custody

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte police have arrested the driver accused of a deadly hit-and-run crash that left a man dead on Wednesday evening.

Channel 9 reported on the crash that happened near 36th Street and The Plaza. It happened just after 6 p.m., and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department began investigating after they found one person had been killed.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >> CMPD: Person hit and killed by car in NoDa

After the crash, Charlotte City Councilman J.D. Mazuera Arias wrote on social media that the victim was a former Queens University student named Lance Sotelo.

Sotelo was a cross-country runner for Queens University, and the school lists him as being from Dalton, Georgia. Channel 9 reached out to university officials for more information about Sotelo.

On Thursday, Channel 9 obtained court documents that say Qlaundra Kadri Hood was arrested for felony hit-and-run causing serious injury or death, and involuntary manslaughter.

According to a GoFundMe that was posted for the victim, Sotelo had just been offered a new job on the day he was hit. His family is raising money to help with funeral expenses, you can donate at this link.

Sotelo graduated from Queens University in 2023 and got his Master of Business Administration there in 2025, all while serving as president of the student government and running track and field and cross country. He also gave a speech during the 2023 commencement.

Dontea Boldur saw the aftermath of the crash and told Channel 9’s Evan Donovan that it really affected him.

“I heard a big loud noise ... very tough thing to actually see, because everyone deserves to live -- and it’s tough, because this is one of the most dangerous roads to cross,” Boldur said.

Sotelo was a regular at The Scorpio nightclub, which put a statement on its Instagram page announcing a vigil for Sotelo. He was also a regular at Chaser’s, which is near the intersection where he was killed. They plan to hold a candlelight vigil later Thursday and then walk to the corner to honor Sotelo.

“An absolute joy”

Thursday night, a vigil took place near the scene of the accident, where dozens of people from his two families—his LGBTQ community and his Queens University family—came together to remember him.

Friends described Lance as a kind, talented, and dedicated individual who lived life to its fullest.

Cameron Baker, a friend, recalled, “Lance was the nicest, kindest person you could ever meet; he was just an absolute joy to be around.”

Baker emphasized Lance’s dedication to running, stating, “That says a lot about him, Lance was always very dedicated to his sport. I know it meant a lot to him.”

Rachel Roberts, a co-worker, described Lance as a “very compassionate person” during their short time together.

She added, “He was very talented; he was just so lively, so sweet and compassionate.”

Roberts noted the community’s grief, saying, “You can tell how devastated the entire community is to show up for him.”

The investigation into the accident is ongoing. Friends and family continue to seek justice for Lance, while the community rallies together to support each other in their grief.

(VIDEO: Crews wrap up demolition at retired coal plant. What’s next?)