Passenger seriously hurt after drunken driver crashes in east Charlotte, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man was seriously hurt after a drunken driver crashed Saturday morning in east Charlotte, police said.

The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. on Kilborne Drive near Maureen Drive.

The driver, Jesus Lopez, 24, was charged with felony causing serious injury, DWI, reckless driving and not having an operator’s license.

The passenger was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officials said Lopez had minor injuries.

Police said Lopez was speeding when he lost control of the truck, drove off the right side of the road and struck a brick pillar and power pole.

Officer hurt after drunken driver slams into CMPD cruiser blocking I-85 Officer hurt after drunken driver slams into CMPD cruiser blocking I-85

After investigating, authorities said they found open alcohol containers in the truck. Lopez was also not wearing a seat belt, but the passenger was.

No other details have been released.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this ongoing investigation.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Man accused of stealing $88K from Charlotte bank vault, posting photos on social media
• 2 men charged after sexually assaulting woman in SC, police say
• Remains believed to be missing Concord mother found after more than 7 years
• FORECAST: Scattered showers expected before sun, dry conditions return Sunday
• CMPD searches for driver after deadly west Charlotte hit-and-run

© 2019 Cox Media Group