CHARLOTTE — New traffic safety equipment is being installed along Barrington Drive in East Charlotte following the fatal striking of 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza.
The Charlotte Department of Transportation is collecting traffic data at the intersection of Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Avenue using road sensors.
City officials are preparing to install a four-way stop with stop signs and paint “STOP AHEAD” markings on the roadway following requests from local residents.
East Charlotte resident Kevin Mousaw contacted city officials following the incident to demand action at the intersection where the child was struck after getting off her school bus.
“I did email them after the horrible event and asked them for at least a crosswalk to protect the children,” Mousaw said.
He continues to visit the site to light candles at a growing memorial for Espinoza.
On Halloween night, local children trick-or-treating in the neighborhood left pieces of candy at the site.
“There is still a lot of heartbreak. People are still coming out and placing things on the memorial for Mariana,” Mousaw said.
Mousaw notified Espinoza’s family about the planned municipal changes, which they approved. He is pushing for further measures, including speed bumps and stricter enforcement of the posted 25 mph speed limit on Barrington Drive.
“I hope to keep striving to get more improvements for this road for the safety of these kids,” Mousaw said.
The driver suspected in the crash, 17-year-old Lachevis Finnie, is being held in jail under a $2.5 million bond.
Court documents indicate that Finnie admitted to police officers that he crashed into Espinoza and fled the scene because he was scared.
Staff with CDOT will review and store the traffic data gathered from the intersection as installation preparations move forward for the four-way stop and road markings.
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